Demo Track
THINK ON THESE
"Love the lyrics. The message is so real and necessary. The piano's melody truly make this song amazing.”
"I would play this 1000 times and still wouldn't hate it. Vocal goes well with the background music and it was just lovely to listen to… The song is just not long enough. Solid 10."
"This song connects you with God."
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I've often heard Christians say something to the effect that "we need to get back to the first-century Church" as if the early years of the faith were times of uncommon peace, harmony, unity and choruses of "Kumbaya" with arms locked together. I don't think so!
Can anyone read the New Testament letters of Paul and others without finding constant references -- by implication if not directly -- to internal conflicts, politicking, bickering, accusations and counter-charges and worse? Our sins are displayed most clearly when put alongside the mirror of God's word.
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That's why as Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi -- probably from a jail cell in Rome - he closed with this encouragement: "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things" (Phil 2:8, NIV). Just a few verses earlier, he was warning two women in that young congregation that they need to get along.
Paul wasn't singing "Kumbaya," He was reminding his disciples to focus on their Master and His love and grace rather than on their own petty differences and rivalries. (Sound familiar?)
This compelling ballad builds on Paul's theme as a reminder to me to do the same. If you like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong and Fernando Ortega, you'll like the tenderness of "Think On These."
Copyright David A. Hebert / A Bear & His Music (BMI) 2009-2012 | CAE/IPI# 231787953
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THE DEMO:
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Arrangement, Keyboards and Vocals by Danny Mitchell
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THE STORY.
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It doesn't happen very often but this is one of those songs that came together rather quickly in one writing session. Maybe that's because the theme is something I have a habit of resisting and so have to frequently remind myself to take seriously.
They always tell writers to "write from your own experiences," I consider myself a realist (neither negative nor particularly positive; I'm not a believer in the so-called "power of positive thinking" but that's another "story"). It's easy for my thoughts to drift off into ugly places, places where even the light is in shades of gray.
Now, don't get the idea this song is about smiley faces and sugar plums. But what we (ok... I) see is seldom true reality. There is a higher and more "real" reality found in Christ and His Word; it's a reality only accessible as we read and follow His Word. Engaging that reality is a choice we can make or refuse.
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"Think On These" was written many years ago when I ran across Philippians 2. Then (as now) as I read this profound advice I realized, once again, that I do have some control over where to place my focus. I just need to muster up the will to do it. I need to "take each thought captive" -- and this song helps. So now, when I get down I remind myself of Paul's words... and all my cares just float away... NOT! No, I still find myself fretting more often than I'd like to admit.
It helps to hear this song, though... and, better yet, to re-read Paul's letter.
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Maybe it will help you, too.
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Dave