"Sing to GOD a brand-new song. He's made a world of
wonders! He rolled up his sleeves, He set things right." Psalm 98:1 (MSG) 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
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The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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