Music has a way of reaching the heart where words sometimes cannot. The Music Beat is a monthly invitation to slow down, listen, and allow worship to shape the rhythm of each day with God.

Each month NRhythm Devo features one carefully selected song that reflects the spiritual theme of the season to support prayer, reflection, stillness and those quiet moments with God.

The Music Beat is a way to feel the rhythm as much as read it. Whether you listen once or many times throughout the month, allow the music to gently reinforce what God is already stirring in your heart.

For me, that is exactly why I love music. It does wonders for the mind, body and soul. In fact 1 Samuel 16:23 states "And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. There is something special about the melody that is produced by carefully laid out chords that just syncs with our body's natural rhythm that God gave us.

I pray that you enjoy these carefully chosen songs as much as I do.

February's Music Beat: He Looked Beyond My Faults (Amazing Grace)

Performed by: Lois Moodie

The story behind the gospel classic "He Looked Beyond My Fault (And Saw My Need)" is rooted in a family struggle with unworthiness and the grace of God. Written by legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo in 1967, the song remains one of the most influential pieces in southern gospel history.

The Inspiration

• A Brother’s Struggle: Dottie was inspired to finish the song after visiting her brother, Eddie, who was dying of cancer. During her visit, Eddie expressed that he felt too unworthy of God's love due to his past struggles with addiction and incarceration.

• The Message of Grace: Dottie reminded him of the biblical parable of the lost sheep, explaining that God looks past our mistakes to see our true needs. This conversation provided the breakthrough she needed to complete the lyrics.

• A Personal Anthem: Before Eddie passed away, he shared that he had given his heart to the Lord. Dottie later performed the song at his funeral.

How to use the Music Beat:

• Press play during prayer, reflection, or stillness

• Listen while journaling or reading Scripture

• Return to the song whenever you need grounding

• Let the theme settle into your heart over time

There’s no right way to engage, only an invitation to be present.

One song. One month. One steady rhythm.

January's Music Beat: Great is Thy Faithfulness

Performed by: Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" originated from a 1923 poem by Thomas O. Chisholm, inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23, and was set to music by William M. Runyan, becoming a beloved hymn reflecting God's unchanging love through life's seasons.

Inspiration & Creation:

• Biblical Basis:

  The text draws directly from Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".

• Personal Experience:

  Chisholm's own life, marked by poor health and various jobs (like insurance sales), informed the verses about enduring seasons and constant provision, as seen in lines like "Summer and winter and springtime and harvest".

• Early Adoption:

  The hymn was first published in Runyan's Songs of Salvation and Service in 1923 and quickly became popular.

• Legacy:

  "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is celebrated for its simple yet profound message of God's enduring love, becoming one of the most cherished hymns in Christian tradition.

How to use the Music Beat:

• Press play during prayer, reflection, or stillness

• Listen while journaling or reading Scripture

• Return to the song whenever you need grounding

• Let the theme settle into your heart over time

There’s no right way to engage, only an invitation to be present.

One song. One month. One steady rhythm.