The Upper Room Devotional 7th October 2023 , Saturday Message by Sandra Godfrey (Georgia, USA)
TOPIC: Sing Praise
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. – Psalm 98:1 (NRSVUE)
The Upper Room Devotional 7th October 2023 MESSAGE:
As a child I lived in a small house with five sisters, one brother, and my parents. We all shared many chores — cooking, hanging laundry to dry, and caring for the younger children. My parents, however, brightened our chores with music. When Mom sang spiritual songs in the kitchen or Daddy played guitar on the porch, the family would sing along. In time, we bought an old upright piano and learned to play. From those songs, I learned to turn my attention to Jesus when life grows difficult and to talk to God and meditate on scripture often.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he encouraged God’s people to sing (see Eph. 5:19). Maybe he was recalling the incident from Acts 16 when he and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi. At midnight, when Paul and Silas sang hymns, an earthquake shook the prison, the doors opened, and their chains fell off.
Now, many years later, I listen to inspirational music at lunch and find peace. In late afternoons, I play piano and find joy. On sleepless nights, I recall songs from my childhood and find rest. We can find comfort when we sing praise to God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy God, thank you for accepting our praise, offered through joyful songs. Thank you for bringing us peace, joy, and rest through music. Amen.
TODAY’S READING
Acts of the Apostles 16:25-40
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Spiritual songs renew my mind and enrich my faith.
PRAYER FOCUS
Musicians
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