One Song Can Make a Difference. Devotions from the Psalms (98:1)

People with musical talent like to create songs for those they love. I did this for my wife. I wanted to show her how much I loved her, and I persevered to finish the melody and accompanying words so that it could be sung at our wedding. There was only one problem: My voice is far from being melodic. If I had sung this song at our wedding, everyone would have run out of the church, and thunder would have mysteriously sounded. Instead, I asked one of my wife's friends to sing the song at the wedding while I accompanied her on my guitar.

King David created numerous songs. We now call them "the Psalms". They are also dedicated to someone David genuinely loved: His loving Heavenly Father. And his songs showed his dedication.

Have you noticed how sad so many people look when they sing at church? If my wife's friend and I had looked that sad when we performed the song I wrote for our wedding, I would likely still be single! How must our Heavenly Father feel when we can't even sing to Him with joy?

It's true that not everyone sings for the same reason. Some sing only because they like the melody or because they are expected to sing. Others, however, truly love God and sing to show that love to Him. Guess which ones are genuine? It's truly all about love, and our songs should truly show our love to the One who saved us: "I'll sing a ballad to the one I love, a love ballad about his vineyard: The one I love had a vineyard, a fine, well-placed vineyard." (Isaiah 5:1 MSG) When we sing to God, we should rejoice for who He is. After all, our Father is nuts about us. Who else would be willing to die for each one of us so that we will be able to experience eternity?

Not convinced that it is important? Then remember the power of music. It can stop wars. Let me illustrate with a true story that happened in Belgium during World War I. It was December 24. The day before, the Belgians, French and English were all fighting together against the Germans; but as Christmas Eve approached, a German soldier began singing a Christmas song. Everyone was instantly quiet as they hung on to his every word. Then when the German finished, a Belgian began to sing. Next an English soldier sang, and then a Frenchman.

As Christmas Day dawned, one of the German officers hesitatingly made his way out of the trench and began crossing towards the enemy line. In a few moments, three more officers joined him, this time, from the enemy side. They began to talk to one another there in the middle of the battlefield, and a temporary truce was agreed upon. Before long, all of the troops were together, laughing, telling stories, singing songs and playing games as if they were long-lost friends.

Somehow, they were not able to resume their fighting the day after Christmas...

When the officials from both sides of the line learned about what happened, they became upset. "You have to exterminate the Germans!" Was the message on the French/Belgian/English side, and on the German side, the message was only slightly different: "You have to exterminate the allies!"

However, now that the enemy was now a friend, none of them were willing to continue the fight. They were all sent back to their respective counties, and other soldiers were sent in to continue the battle.

And to think that this all began with just one song, a song about baby Jesus who came to our planet so that we can live in peace. Music is powerful!

May we always remember this true story and sing to our hearts' content, ever lifting up our voices to our Heavenly Father.

Rob Chaffart

One Song Can Make a Difference. Devotions from the Psalms (98:1)

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