Things happen in life which have the potential for taking the wind out of our sails; taking away our confidence or will for pressing on. We can experience moments in life when we feel the rug was pulled out from under our feet; being surprised by a sudden happening that left us tumbling or feeling a lack of support. We may experience times when sorrow hits and we feel the song has been taken from our heart; touched so deeply, the welling up of praise and thanks feels stifled.
Though life’s journey is marked by varied experiences impacting the feelings and focuses of the moments, are we finding the means of focusing on God Who is fully aware of every aspect of our life? Though there was a time when Israel found it difficult to sing as they were in Babylonian exile (Psalm 137:1-4), Paul and Silas were still able to sing even when ill treated and placed in the stocks in a Philippian jail. (Acts 16:23-25) What made the difference was where the focus of life had been resting. Are we continuing to find reason for a song of praise to rise from within us?
Writing while a prisoner at Rome, Paul urged Christians at Philippi. . .
“(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)
Rejoice always! Rejoice! It bore repeating! Rejoicing in our life ought to be a repetitive and ongoing action as we press on with prayer and in faith experience the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds.
One of the psalmists expressed. . .
“(33) I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. (34) May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:33-34 ESV)
This psalm began with a focus on God’s greatness and the power of His work. That is something for us to always keep in mind. Keeping our focus and trust in God Who is greater than any circumstances we might be in will aid in allowing a song of praise to continue rising from within us. Therefore, may our resolve be to give rise to song as long as we live as we trust in the eternity life’s pathway continues leading toward!
Have a great day SINGING ON AS WE LIVE ON!
Carl
