“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Ps 19:1 NIV)

We were at Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, admiring the . We were able to walk onto the rocks right next to the falls, and my younger son made himself comfortable in a crevice, just an arm’s length from the falling waters. The view was outstanding, and all we could do was stand in awe, admiring not only God’s creation, but the Creator Himself.

We could hear nature sing praises to its Maker through the thundering waters as well as through the breeze in the trees and the birds of the sky, and through it all, our spirits soared as we inwardly join the chorus of worshipful melody and prayer. We could only stand in respectful silence, enjoying what was taking place around us.

Nature sure can teach us how to praise God! Nature’s melody can truly captivate our hearts, if we let it.

Paul and Silas also learned the power of prayer and singing praises to God.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25 NIV)

People may not listen to our words, but they will listen to songs. Do you want break through evangelism? Pray and make a melody to the Lord. The consequences will be out of this world!

“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:26 NIV)

Worship can set others free!

However not everyone looks at such occasions with praise and glory.

“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”” (Acts 16:27-28 NIV)

These attendees may need some guidance.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30 NIV) the jailer asked Paul and Silas.

The results were heavenly!

“Then immediately he and all his family were baptized.” (Acts 16:33 NIV)

Music has the power to bring people closer to God, but it achieves its true power when it is a spontaneous expression of gratitude for our Maker and Saviour, and when it comes straight form the heart.

This happens more often than we are aware of. Take, for example, a Columbian couple who have started to attend our church. Driven from their home by the drug lords of their country, they lost everything they had: their belongings, their friends, their family. Desperate, they came to Canada, hoping to find a safe haven. Once in Canada, however, their desperation didn’t evaporate. In fact, that is when they began to realize just how desperate their lives had become. With no job and no income, they were truly without hope, without future.

One day though, in their apartment complex, they heard a neighbour singing no ordinary song. They stood still, and though they couldn’t understand all the English words, they understood the meaning. It was sung to the glory of God. Hope rose in their heart and just like the jailor, they inquired about that amazing God this song was addressed to. A few weeks ago there was great jubilation when they were baptized.

One simple song, can have huge repercussions. You never know who might be listening!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “The Heart of the Matter” devotional series, please click here.)