Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by Brad
I originally wrote this for our Providence Associates’ weekly e-news. It appeared there on September 28, 2021.
In a radio interview, Sir Elton John (age 74) discussed how he almost immediately went to the task of finding ways to make music in the environment of social distancing. He contributed his piano genius to another artist’s recording via Zoom and met with others in the studio behind glass partitions. There were all manner of new ways to create and collaborate. With a talent group he had previously mentored, some of his greatest hits (and a few lesser known ones) were chopped into musical pieces and reassembled into a new song, as if working a jigsaw puzzle. The catchy song of recycled parts has made its way onto the “Billboard Top 100”, and someone will likely say it speaks to their soul.
The phrase, “sing a new song” appears repeatedly in scripture, especially in the Psalms. Growing up in church, it puzzled me: why a new song? Sure, God wants us to sing, but a new song every time? I admit, I may have been a bit naïve and too literal at first. As one who needn’t be evangelized, I had to discover a fitting context for the concept of conversion. I already lived the life Jesus wanted for me — or so I thought, and just what’s wrong with these praise songs we’ve been singing that we need a new one? (Definitely too literal.) This metaphor to live differently than the world around me eventually made sense as I came to know growth as a necessity when living for God and others. Today, I’m thinking that maybe I do need a new song.
The Holy Spirit urges us to take part in Creation. Our part may be putting hand to clay or canvas, making music, or crafting elegant prose. Whether we claim or lack certain talents, we all can be present. Perhaps that is providing safe, comfortable space and feeding people well. It could be listening compassionately or providing encouragement. Maybe we take a stand (or a knee) to call out injustice, but it’s also kindly smiling to a stranger on the street or just sitting with someone in their time of need. And when we can’t easily rise from chair or bed, our prayer can. What and how need not be novel, even for things done countless times before. This time, new circumstances; maybe a new person or response; but definitely (re)new(ed) intentions. Any moment’s grace is never old but always a new creation.
Recycling is making new that which we’ve already used. Can I sing – or BE – a new song, even with old recycled parts? It may not be a chart-topping hit, but it most certainly will touch a soul somewhere.