MUSIC: Songs of Lament for Times of Sorrow

Songs of Lament for Times of Sorrow
Posted on May 27, 2015  in Blog, Music, Suffering, Worship
The point has been made before that space isn’t often given during congregational worship to recognize the reality of the sufferings of God’s people. Though not everyone feels like rejoicing, we sing songs that are joyful, but is there any reason we shouldn’t sing songs of lament, even though everyone may not feel sad?  Based on the simple fact that the majority of ancient Israel’s songbook, known to us as the Psalms, are lament psalms, this would seem entirely appropriate.
When this doesn’t happen in a congregational context though, where can we find hymns and spiritual songs put to music that give voice to what we may be feeling in tumultuous seasons of life?  With the Psalms we have prayer language, graciously given to us by God in His Word so that we as His children might know how address Him in times of distress.  This is an incredible gift of grace.  But does anyone put such language to music?  Thankfully, yes.  Not only are there songs, there are entire albums.  I point you to Indelible Grace Music.
My first exposure to this group was through Tim Challies in a free music giveaway through his blog.  Many times I’ve listened to the album By Thy Mercy.  Another favourite of mine, to give you a taste, is called Cling to the Crucified. Here are the lyrics, or you can listen to it here:
Cling to the Mighty One, Cling in thy grief
Cling to the Holy One, He gives relief
Cling to the Gracious One, Cling in thy pain
Cling to the Faithful One, He will sustain
Chorus:
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King
Cling to the Living One, Cling in thy woe
Cling to the Loving One, Through all below
Cling to the Pardoning One, He speaketh peace
Cling to the Healing One, Anguish will cease
Cling to the Bleeding One, Cling to His side
Cling to the Rising One, In Him abide
Cling to the Coming One, Hope shall arise
Cling to the Reigning One, Joy lights thine eyes
Their latest album, released a few years ago, is called Joy Beyond the Sorrow.  You can peruse the song titles of the album here, or listen to the sample, From the Depths of Woe.  I simply wanted to bring it to your attention in the event that it may benefit you, or someone you know.  Or, if you’re a musician/songwriter, perhaps you might find some we could use to grieve together with our brothers or sisters. As a body, may the Lord help us to find ways to congregationally weep with those who weep, even as we would rejoice with those who rejoice.
 

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