The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition (2000) defines the word psalmist as a writer of psalms; a psalm is described as a sacred song or hymn; and sacred means dedicated to, or set apart for, the worship of a deity. So a psalmist is a person who writes songs of praise to God.

 

I am a psalmist. If you are one as well, youll probably agree that its not really about you sitting down at a table and saying Im going to write a song. Its more that, as you drive to work, shower, or cook dinner, God gives you words and music. Sometimes He wakes you up in the middle of the night to give you a song. Singing is as natural to you as breathing. You find yourself singing without even thinking.

 

Its how you express yourself. When youre sad you sing. When youre happy you sing. When youre out of Gods will, its hard to sing. Music is ministry to you.

 

Ive known anointed praise dancers who dance in their living rooms to express their feelings to God. There are also gifted speakers and writers who turn their experiences into messages that bless the lives of countless other people. Likewise, psalmists mark the milestones of personal experience with songs. My pastor likens these examples to digging a well in the desert when you have made it through, so that others who come behind you can be nourished by what youve found.

 

Even if youre not a psalmist, you probably have benefited from them. Have you ever heard a song that took you to a place of worship? Brought tears to your eyes because the words echoed your pain, joy, confusion, or victory? Whether or not you can sing in key, you lift your hands and voice in worship when you hear those songs because they resonate in your spirit.

 

This started out as a blog about how special a hymn had become to me after going through an ordeal. My husband told me that it read like a devotional, something I should share with others for their private time. Something in my spirit cried Yes! when I heard his words. Songs have so much power to move us, convict us, strengthen us, heal us. What better way to help bring others to a place of worship and fellowship with our Father? A place where its just God and you. A place where He whispers secret things to you: His plans for your life, His never-ending love for you.

 

That place reminded me of a hymn, I Come to the Garden Alone by C. Austin Miles, so I chose that song as the title of this book. I pray that you will receive and be blessed by what God placed on my heart as I meditated on the words of these powerful songs.

 

Are there sacred songs that speak to your heart? Songs that draw your heart close to God? Make them a part of your own meditation. Go to the garden alone with Him, sing a love song to Him, and then listen. He has so much to say to you.