This morning as I sat on my porch, I listened to the wind chimes and birds as I prayed. Before long I began to join in their song. Musical talent oozes out of my husband, children and grandchildren. They tell me I listen well. God has the amazing ability to enjoy my melody even when it is off key. My joyful noise comes from my heart so I know God is well pleased.
There have been many days during my life when that song was lost. Dark days filled with heartache and sadness robbed me of joy. There were more tears than laughter. Demands took my attention and focus from being on the Lord. Fun activities gave me reprieves but something was still missing. The times I found myself going through the motions of life and not truly living life were when I noticed my song had gone silent.
As I reflected on these thoughts, I felt a breeze and heard a soft note from my wind chime. Then I remembered that the stormiest days are when its song plays the loudest. The hard truth hit me that my song should be singing its loudest praise when life’s storms hit. The only way this can happen is for me to keep my focus fixed on Christ each day. That is how we live each moment rather than go through the motions. Our faith becomes stronger as we see him carry us through.
The peaceful melody comes from our heart. It softens the blows on bad days. It helps us find rest in the night when the enemy battles our minds. It gives us boldness because we know we are not alone. It encourages us when tempers flare, accidents happen and stubbornness prevails. When the money runs low, he is our provider. When the news is bad, he is our healer. He makes a way when we stumble.
Have you lost your song? I encourage you to simply begin to thank God for the smallest of things. Look for the moments that you know God was walking beside you. Remember where he brought you from. Turn to God’s word and see how songs have filled the history of God and his children.
In the bible we learn that when Moses was handing the leadership of Israel over to Joshua he spoke to the people and presented the song God had given him. This song was to warn the people that even after they were in the land of milk and honey they would turn from God. God loves us even when he knows we will fall away at times.
Moses continued to speak after delivering the song. Here are the words he spoke. “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
Our life song can be found in God as well. We can live our life and be filled with a song. My song may be off key but it is beautiful to God’s ears. God is waiting to hear your beautiful song as well. As you begin to sing it, the one you care for will feel the difference in your attitude and may even join in.
Word for Today
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
God,
My heart sings out praises to you. You are faithful. You are strong when I am weak. You fight my battles when I am tired. You carry my burdens when I am overwhelmed. You fill my night with song.
I come today laying aside my cares asking to be refreshed. Hear my melody of praise even if it begins as a gently hum offered up. Tears may roll down my face but my hope is in you. I will lift up my voice in faith that you will meet me. Help me to never lose my song of praise.
Amen
Walking Them Home 