REV. LEIGH BOELKINS VAN KEMPEN
“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95: 1)
If someone asked you what your favorite hymn was, how would you answer? If someone asked you what hymn you might like sung at your funeral, would you know what to say? If someone asked you parent’s favorite hymn, could you tell her?
Music, and especially hymns, are an important part of residential living at Resthaven. Through worship services, through Bible studies, through hymn sings, through special concerts, residents can experience joy through music. It is amazing how many ofour residents can sing hymns from memory!
Singing is a wonderful way to connect with other people. Whether at church, or at school, or at a concert, music and singing can unify a varied group into a community. Familiar songs can create a bond between people that can deepen over time. This has certainly happened at Resthaven.
For our summer Bible study series across the Resthaven campuses, we explored the back stories and the significance of some of the “Good OldFashioned Hymns”. Our residents have used hymns as an important part of their spiritual journeys for many years, and taking a closer look at some of them was a meaningful way to learn more about themselves and their faith. And understanding why some of these hymns were written gave them more depth and impact as we sang them.
The psalmist urges us to make a joyful noise, to sing to the Lord, offering deep gratitude for the salvation God has provided for us. Hymns are just one way to do that, but a way that has blessing to our residents through the years. I hope you, like them, will keep on singing!