Celebrating Hot Tea Month – 5 Songs to Soothe Your Soul

 

I was excited to discover that January is National Hot Tea Month! Though my wife and I have recently developed a taste for good coffee, I’ve found solace in a good cup of tea since my early college years.

It all started during my first teaching trip to Mainland China in the Summer of 2002. We were served green tea as we sat in very large, very official assembly and were announced as “excellent scholars from the United States.” During the big announcement, I took a sip of the loose-leaf tea and immediately choked on a floating tea leaf! My entire teaching team tried to stifle their laughter (unsuccessfully, I might add), as I tried to cough the tea back up in a professional and graceful way. But my hosts continued to serve green tea every morning for the six weeks I was there, and I began to look forward to the comfort of that steaming hot mug.

Of course, my favorite thing about drinking tea has little to do with the actual flavor of the beverage. For me, it’s the fragrant scent of the beverage that makes each cup so inviting, and leaves me feeling so relaxed.

 

A Fragrant Aroma to God

I love the following verses, which remind me that as a disciple of Christ I can be a fragrant, pleasing aroma to God the Father.   Just as a good cup of Earl Grey can delight my senses and bring me great comfort, by walking with Christ my life can bring glory and delight to the LORD. Isn’t that an inspiring thought?

 

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

2 Corinthians 2:15

 

 

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

Ephesians 5:2

 

 

5 Songs to Soothe Your Soul

Whether or not you’re a “hot tea” person, I’ve found that building times of quality worship into my daily routine can soothe my soul and calm my worries in an even more profound way. While driving in the car or taking my lunch break, I enjoy listening to songs which lead my heart to truly worship.

Here are five that brought me great comfort during the year 2014. May they be a source of inspiration and renewal for you as well!

 

Thanks Be To Our God – Travis Cottrell

 

 

10,000 Reasons – Matt Redman

 

 

He Knows My Name – Tommy Walker

 

 

Lord, I Need You – Matt Maher

 

 

Come and Fill My Heart – Avalon

 

 

What About You?

What songs do you find to be “Hot Tea” for the Soul?