“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” – Psalm 40:3

Ole Bull was born in 1810 in Bergen, Norway. At an early age he became known as a first class violinist. His solo performance with the great orchestra of the Paris Opera at the age of 25 marked the beginning of a series of concert tours that took him over the whole of Europe and America. In 1850, Bull founded the first Norwegian national theatre. A celebrated composer, and an international ambassador for Norwegian culture, Bull also oversaw a line of fine violins named after himself. Bull had a friend Leif who claimed he didn’t have an ear for music and he refused to go to Bull’s concerts. The fact that his friend was world-renowned musician made no difference to Leif. However, Bull won him in the end. Ole didn’t chastise his friend or belittle him. He didn’t lecture him. He simply went to Leif’s place of work and played for him. Leif heard the sweet sounds of Ole’s violin and it melted his heart. Leif’s rough, cold heart was transformed by the charm of the music. Jesus Christ has put a new song into our lives, a song of praise to Him. We need to praise our God and as we do, others will put their trust in Him. Are you praising the Lord throughout your day? Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and tell others how good it is to trust in Jesus.

“We are sadly lacking in freshness and newness. If we show the way to the new song by the beauty and charm of our lives, ‘many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.'” – Clovis Chappell

God’s Word: “All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!” – Psalm 64:9-10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2001, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING kennedy@devotional.com