What is your favourite gift God has given us in creation? The one that most reminds you of how amazing He truly is?
I love a good beach sunset, the sound of a rushing waterfall, time with family, witnessing miracles, and being part of God’s work in sharing the Gospel. But right now, the gift that touches my heart the most is music.
“Music has a way of speaking to us when words fail.”
There’s a saying that music “soothes the savage beast”, and we see this idea reflected in Scripture. When King Saul was tormented, David’s music brought him relief (1 Samuel 16:23). I may not call myself a savage beast, but I certainly find comfort in songs that remind me of God’s goodness and mercy.
Music has a way of speaking to us when words fail. Whether it’s Firm Foundation (Maverick City), Even If and Dear Younger Me (MercyMe), Praise You in This Storm and Just Be Held (Casting Crowns), Because He Lives (Gaither Vocal Band), It Is Well (Horatio Spafford), or Song of Ascent (Hillsong), the message is the same: hope. A hope that transcends suffering, reminding us that this world is not the end of the story.
“My hope isn’t in fairness—or even in healing. My hope is in the truth that God is not surprised by my struggles.”
Is it fair that something as simple as lettuce makes me ill while others who intentionally harm their bodies remain in perfect health? Not from a human perspective. But my hope isn’t in fairness—or even in healing. My hope is in the truth that God is not surprised by my struggles. He is not pacing anxiously in heaven, scrambling for solutions. He is seated on the throne, sovereign over all things. At the same time, He is beside me, within me, strengthening me to endure whatever lies ahead.
That is why I echo the words of Shane & Shane: “Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, you can have all this world, just give me Jesus.”
“For those of us facing illness, disability, grief, or hardship, music can be a lifeline—a way to draw close to God when words and strength fail.”
For those of us facing illness, disability, grief, or hardship, music can be a lifeline—a way to draw close to God when words and strength fail. It is more than sound; it is a reminder of the One who carries us through.
What songs have spoken to your heart in times of struggle? I’d love to hear them.
About the Author:
About the Author:
Sarah Smith has been working as a DSP at Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) in the North District since Fall of 2020. In addition to providing direct support, Sarah sits on the Diversity and Inclusion committee. Sarah enjoys time with her ever-expanding family, crochet, kayaking, and being in nature. Finding her identity in Christ, Sarah likes to write about how her faith is central to her life. Sarah also personally experiences disability in several invisible ways.
Sarah Smith has been working as a DSP at Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) in the North District since Fall of 2020. In addition to providing direct support, Sarah sits on the Diversity and Inclusion committee. Sarah enjoys time with her ever-expanding family, crochet, kayaking, and being in nature. Finding her identity in Christ, Sarah likes to write about how her faith is central to her life. Sarah also personally experiences disability in several invisible ways.