Tag Archives: sing

A New Song, a New Victory

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by in Mid-Week Medtiation, Psalms

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Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! (Psalm 98:1, CEV).

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First Crocus — a sign of spring’s victory over winter — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is victory.

If the resurrection of new life in spring is viewed as a victory over the cruelty of winter, then in this season we can see reasons to rejoice and sing all around us. The blooming crocus can be seen as a symbol of victory over death and decay.

The psalmist and nature itself call us to praise:

Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! (Psalm 98:1, CEV).

New victories call forth new songs of praise. But let’s never forget the source of those victories. If it appears that our talents and intelligence have brought us success, we need to remember the One who gave us those talents and quickened our mind.

My life—your life—is found in God. As the apostle Paul states, “In God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28, CEV). Our victory—our resurrection comes from Him. His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory!

Response: LORD God, I sing my praise to you. Every personal joy and triumph comes from you. Put a new song in my heart today, because you have done wonderful things. Amen.

Your Turn: Has God given you new songs of praise to sing?

Sing to God

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Psalm 68, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 68

Verses 32-35

Sing to God,

you kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides across the highest heavens,

the ancient heavens,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the heavens.
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power

and strength to his people.

Praise be to God! (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 68 ends with a call for us to sing. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.

Deer on Farm

Deer on Kitz family farm, MacNutt, SK —photo by Char Kitz

Have you noticed how important singing and music are to our celebration of Christ’s birth? Take music and song out of Christmas and there is little left. In many ways carols define the season and add sparkle and joy. And so it should be. Heaven saw fit to announce the Saviour’s birth through song. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14).

God sent an angel choir to celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son. And earlier during her pregnancy, at the home of Elizabeth, Mary burst out with what is commonly called the Magnificat or Mary’s Song. See Luke 1: 46-56.

So yes we should sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens. He sent his star to guide the way for the magi. One glorious night the heavens joined in to declare the glory of heaven’s Son, who had come to earth to be born among men—men and animals.

What a grand descent! From the highest heavens to a lowly stable. That’s the glory of Christmas. God transferred His sanctuary—His dwelling place—from heaven to earth—from heaven’s throne room to a stable. Now we can join with the psalmist and the shepherds with these words of praise:

You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power

and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

Response: LORD God, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for coming in frail human flesh—flesh like our own. Thank you because now we can know you as one of us—God with us. Amen.

Your Turn: Has the Lord brought you near to Him in difficult times?

Sing joyfully to the LORD

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by in Psalm 33, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 33

(Verses 1-5)

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;     

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the LORD with the harp;     

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song;     

play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;     

he is faithful in all he does.

The LORD loves righteousness and justice;     

the earth is full of his unfailing love. (NIV)

Reflection

It’s a good thing to wake up with a song of praise to the LORD on your lips. How do I know that’s true? I listen to birds. Their joyous songs are new every morning. If they have cause to sing praise to the LORD, surely I do as well.

Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29:31).

If a sparrow has good grounds for praising the LORD each and every day, surely we have more. His constant care sustains us. If the Father keeps count of my hair, He must be concerned about even the tiny details of my life. His loving mercy is new every morning; therefore, it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

We are instructed to Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Forgive me, LORD. I’m an instrumental disaster. Playing skillfully is nigh unto impossible. But with my voice I will praise you. I can’t compete with robins and cardinals, but I will sing my praise. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

The steadfast love of the LORD is unchanging. My praise for Him should be just as steadfast—unaffected by my current circumstances. The birds break into song at sunrise even on a rainy morning. My praise for God should be as constant. Paul and Silas sang praises to God after being severely flogged and imprisoned in Philippi. See Acts chapter 16. Their worship was unaffected by their circumstances. They were obedient to the LORD’s command: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Response: Thank you, LORD God, for each day you set before me. Give me a heart of praise for you. You sustain me. Give me a new song to praise you, O LORD. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you love to praise God? Does it lift your spirit when you do?