Every night at summer camp, we gather together in worship. This might look like circling around a campfire, walking a prayer walk, worshiping in the pool, or journeying with a Bible character on the Christwalk. Whatever form our worship takes, it’s about centering ourselves in the love of God and bringing our adoration, love, joy, fears, and burdens to Jesus.
One important part of camp worship is the songs that we sing. Some might feel a little silly or child-like. We’re clapping our hands or marching to the beat or acting out the lyrics – and it definitely looks different than a typical Sunday morning church service. However, in the midst of the silliness, there is real truth to be learned.
Think about the lyrics of some of these “silly songs.”
“My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!”
“Fill my cup and let it overflow-oh-oh-oh! Fill my cup and let it overflow! Oh yeah! Fill my cup and let it overflow, let it overflow with love”
“King Jesus is all! My all in all! And I know that he’ll answer…me when I call. Walkin’ by my side. I’m satisfied. King Jesus is all! My all in all!”
If you’ve been part of worship at camp, you can probably hear these choruses in your head. Maybe you even remember the actions to go along with them. However, most importantly, songs like this help to teach us truths about God, even though they are fun and silly to sing.
When we sing “Pharaoh, Pharaoh, oh baby, let my people go!” we are learning the story of Moses. When we learn the song, “Henceforth I call you not as servants but as friends,” we are learning the words of Jesus. Singing is such an important part of the Christian faith, and these songs demonstrate why. In song, we celebrate the truths of God.
So the next time you find yourself facing a difficult situation, remind yourself, “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.” The next time you feel afraid, sing in your heart, “Hear my cry, Oh God, attend unto my prayer.” The next time you wonder what to do in a situation, ponder, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
It’s simple. It’s silly. It’s profound. What truths have camp songs taught you?
Technology at Camp