These things write we unto you, that your joy may
be full. (1 John 1:4). Full joy is attainable. Joy is greater than
happiness or pleasure. Unlike happiness and pleasure joy
does not succumb to disappointment or suffering. Joy may
be the greatest natural health tonic a person can possess.
Like the body and mind, joy can be lost or lessened, if not
nourished.
         There is not anything that nourishes joy, promotes full
joy, like singing. Singing sustains and increases joy. It "feeds"
joy. Singing expresses what thinking and speaking cannot.
Singing is music that comes from a place in the soul where
there exists pure spirit. It has the power to reach and touch
a place in the depth of the soul and psyche where spoken
words without music cannot penetrate.
        Although there is a place and time for speaking, speaking
cannot be a substitute for singing. Singing is natural.  The
first sound heard from the newborn is music. This Biblical
assertion mandates singing:
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)
     This verse of Scripture indicates that "speaking with psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs" is about singing. Obviously,
"making melody," likewise it is about music, perhaps,
without words, but for a certainty, about singing.
     Two other important things to be said about this
Scripture are: (1) "Speaking (singing) to yourself." Be aware
that you do not have to rely upon anyone else to speak" or
sing for you. You can sing (hum, chant whistle,) to
yourself, and (2) "making melody in your heart to the
Lord.," declares that the Lord is the primary and intended
recipient of a person"s singing. There can be no nobler
recipient of a person's singing than the Lord.
     Sing often, everyday, just as you eat everyday.
Sometimes I sing grace before I eat. Singing is soul food
for joy. So sing with joy and sing because you have
joy. Your joy will manifest itself in healing your body
and mind, and making or keeping you healthy. Singing
will accelerate your advancing toward full potential living.
I close with this song that I sing often:

It's Music From Within My Soul

I hear music above my head...
All around me I hear music...
It's music from within my soul.
I feel music reverberating,
burning like fire within my
being, soothing and making
merry my heart.
I feel Muisc;
It's music from within my soul.
"Oh soul," I ask "Why do you sing?
Why do you make music?"
My soul says to me, "I am your
soul and that's what it means to be
your soul. I am your music and song.
Listen: What do you hear and feel?
What is it that gives you joy?"
I say to my soul, "It's music from
within my soul."

Copyright 2015 by Uriah J. Fields