Music Idea for Psalm 23
Use "Hills and Valleys" by Tauren Wells. It's a terrific contemporary Christian song for contemplating and discussing Psalm 23.
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
References to "Hills and Valleys" are found throughout the Bible. Hills are often the dwelling place of God or where people go to be near God. They are also a sight we "lift our eyes to" for strength. Valleys can be green pastures or dangerous trails. "Ups and Downs" is how we might say it today.
Here's the original version with lyrics...
A few discussion questions:
- Why are there "hills and valleys" in life? Do they serve a purpose? What purpose?
- What is the purpose of ups and downs? (They can teach us to turn to God in all circumstances.)
- Why do people want to climb to the top of hills?
- What so great (or dangerous) about being in a valley?
- What are some of the "hills" (high places) and "valleys" (low places) in your life?
- What do hills and valleys teach us?
- How do you know you are "not alone"?
- What are the signs of God with you?
- How is God like a Shepherd to people? ..to you?
Here's the popular acoustic version of his song...
The lyrics:
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held the blessings
God, you give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own<
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
I've watched my dreams get broken
In you I hope again!
No matter what I know
Know I'm safe inside Your hand
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there (to the one who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name, yeah, yeah"
And I am not alone.
Songwriters: Chuck Butler / Jonathan Lindley Smith / Tauren Wells
Hills and Valleys lyrics © Essential Music Publishing. (Posted to the public in Google. Copied here for the "fair use" purpose of commentary and teaching.)
