Repetition

Dennis told me that he didn’t like one of the invitational songs that we sing. He didn’t know why exactly he didn’t like it, but I wondered if it sounded as if someone was harping, nagging, or manipulating. It also might have something to do with singing the chorus repeatedly. I know of others who don’t like some songs because of its simplicity and the repetition.

I don’t mind simple and repetitious. That’s probably why I like children’s songs. They are easy to sing and easy to remember.

My prayer life is in the same vein. Over the years I’ve often prayed the same prayers day after day, but they are anything but “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). One of the prayers that I utter not just daily, but many times throughout the day is, “LORD, have mercy on me!”

Intellectually I know what the Bible says about God’s grace and mercy but my soul wants to be reassured, my spirit wants to be reaffirmed, and my “inner man” wants to hear His voice say, “I do!” Unless this becomes a living reality, I don’t think that I will feel like I am a whole person.

Until then, my voice will join my spirit in groaning and I will continue to cling on to the idea that wholeness and “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)