First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Sounds of Faith

Linda Soller | Jun 27, 2016

Have you ever stopped to think what faith sounds like? Yes, I meant to say “sounds like”.  I am referring to those sounds which make you feel your own faith, help you observe faith in others, or feel the presence of a community of faith.

I was enjoying a seated massage at work, a nice opportunity we have twice a month, hoping to unwind. There is always music in the background, usually instrumental or new age. I realized the piano music I heard was playing “How Great thou Art”. Normally I don’t recognize the tune playing, but this time my soul started singing, just as the song says. It was hard to keep the words from coming out of my mouth! I felt as though God was reaching out to calm me on that stressful day. The peace I find in my faith was resonating from the piano.

Another favorite sound of faith is the ringing of church bells. Each Sunday at FBC ours rings prior to the start of service, as if to remind our little town of the day and time. The bell calls people to worship. I’m fortunate enough to live a short distance from a charming, really old, Methodist church with chimes. Periodically the chimes catch me off guard. The music comes floating on the breeze, and reminds me that faithful Christians are all around. We are not alone, and God is with us everywhere.

In a vigil for those killed in Orlando, the gathering crowd of strangers broke in to a solemn rendition of “Amazing Grace.” I heard their voices behind the reporter who was addressing the T.V. audience. They had no piano, organ, music books, or choir leader. How incredibly beautiful they sounded. It was magical, as they united their voices and faiths to let God know they were trusting and leaning on Him. They were requesting, and counting on, His grace.

Every day we are bombarded with sounds. Some we hear and some we tune out. What does faith sound like to you? Be careful to listen.

Have a great week!    :o)  Linda