Craig Duck, Lieutenant, Engine Co. 11 – Washington, DC, Fire Department; Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International Atlantic States Regional Director / International Board Member

MUSIC—MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE

Singing God’s goodness and grace in the fire service

Music is an emotional and powerful tool. People going through tough times often listen to their favorite songs in order to forget their present circumstances. Search the Web and you’ll find thousands of images of hurting people singing their hearts out. I’ll never forget images of September 11, 2001. During one of the worst times in firefighting history, when 343 firefighters died, many firefighters were confused, saddened, and didn’t know where to turn for help. Many, who were not in New York or Washington, DC, watched countless hours of news reports on television. I vividly remember watching one report of congressmen and senators on the steps of the U.S. Capitol telling what their response to the terrorist attacks would be. I’ll never forget when one of the senators began singing “God Bless America.” Unscripted, unrehearsed, and yet the sound of those voices singing was very moving and powerful.

The Bible has a lot to say about music and its therapeutic effect on the soul. Paul encouraged the Christians in Ephesus to be filled with the Spirit and to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

Try doing a word study in the Bible on music. You’ll discover why it is so important, and why it is one of the core elements at the heart of worship. Sadly you don’t hear firefighters singing praises to God very much. Perhaps they don’t know how. Maybe they’re afraid of how they sound. I’m thankful God never calls us to sing perfectly, just to sing.

During a Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International (FCFI) event my son, Christopher, and I decided to break out our guitars and start singing. At first folks were reluctant to sing. I wondered if we should stop, but we kept singing praises to the God who has done so much for us. By the end of the night our group was making a beautiful sound, and I am confident God was well-pleased.

Can you imagine what the fire service would be like if we sang at more of our events? What a joyful noise that could be!

Prayer:

Help me, Lord, not to be afraid to sing praises to your name within the fire service.