by Macy Johnson
“Sing to Him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
(Psalm 33:3 NIV)
Robert
Morgan is the author of a prayer journal inspired by hymns. I joined the
journey with him recently, beginning with “Come, Thou Almighty King.” One of
our oldest English hymns, it was published around 1757 in a Methodist pamphlet.
This familiar hymn was set to the tune Italian Hymn by Felice de
Giardini in 1769.
“Neither this man nor his parents
sinned,”
said Jesus, “but this happened so that
the work of God might be displayed in
his life.”
(John 9:3 NIV)
I want to believe a sign of maturity is to accept God’s ways without question. Will I be able to pull Jesus aside in heaven and ask, “Why did you let ___ happen?” I might not remember whatever it was once I am in the presence of the Almighty. A better question might be, “How was your work displayed in ___?” I will trust His wisdom. I hope you will, too!
“Along with their relatives -
all of them trained and skilled in
music for the Lord -
they numbered 288.”
(1 Chronicles 25:7 NIV)
I am encouraged to read about musicians in the Bible who serve during worship. We are all given unique gifts in God’s kingdom. Some are encouragers and some are prayer warriors. Some preach and some teach. I believe those who help behind the scenes will be highly honored in heaven. I thank my heavenly Father for all gifts of service, seen and unseen. I hope you will, too!
“Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet
praise Him,
my Savior and my God.”
(Psalm 42:11 NIV)
This is not supposed to be happening! How quickly I forget this is a fallen world. Things get old and wear out. People forget appointments and disappoint me. The weather does not always cooperate. How is all of this supposed to bring me closer to Jesus? Oh, right, only He is perfect! I will put my hope only in Him today. I hope you will, too!
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1 NIV)
A little bird followed a visitor into our hospital and made his way to our gift shop. It flew past my head while I was checking out our greeting cards display. I found a maintenance man in the hospital café and he rescued the little bird and carried it in his hands to safety. Somedays I am like the frightened and confused bird, and my heavenly Father always rescues me. I will call on Him. I hope you will, too!
“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
(Matthew 5:14 NIV)
“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” I learned that song in elementary school and still sing it with joy. We have all seen this light in others, in their smiles, their joy, their expressions. It is impossible to hide the light of Jesus. I thank my heavenly Father for taking me places to shine His light into the lives of people around me. I hope you will, too!
“Ah, Sovereign Lord,
you have made the heavens and the earth
by your great power and outstretched
arm.
Nothing is too hard for you.”
(Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)
I will be the first to admit I have no control. When the Holy Spirit reminds me of this, I am humbled. Whatever I may face today has already been orchestrated in my heavenly Father’s plans. He keeps all creation in its perfect place and provides oxygen for me to breathe and water to sustain my body. I smile and thank Him for being in control. I hope you will, too!
