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Psalm 119:172 – Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. (NLT)
For as long as I can remember, she has been singing songs.
I'm not sure when my mother began singing gospel songs. I suppose that it was as a young girl when she gathered with her family on Saturday nights around the old, converted player piano. Then, she began singing in the Methodist church that they attended.
After my dad became a minister, she sang in every church that he pastored. A few times along the way, she formed a quartet and sang in other churches. Seventy-plus years later, Mom's still singing and playing the piano. Many of the songs that she sings are the same ones that she sang when I was a child. They all have one thing in common. They testify about Jesus, what He's done, and how He's coming back one day to take His children home.
No one else in our family has been blessed with Mom's singing ability. Dad was a fair singer and so is my middle brother. I've never heard my youngest brother sing, and I never utter song sounds loud enough for anyone to hear.
What I can sing about — and do an excellent job at it — doesn't require knowing music or being able to carry a tune in a bucket. Mom sang the gospel, but I can sing it by just sharing it with others. Though some won't like the words of the song, I can't alter the original message that the author wrote: humans are sinful, God is love, Jesus forgives, and heaven and hell are real. I can change the methods that I use to share it, but the message remains the same.
Jesus tells all His followers to sing this song. We must sing it with love, patience, and volume. The entire world needs to hear. We can sing literally — although I won't — but we can and must sing through the spoken word, emails, texts, Skypes, gifts, actions, and attitudes.
How often and how loudly are you singing God's song?
Prayer: Father, may we sing of Your love often and to everyone we meet. Amen.
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Amen Martin! They used to turn my mic down when l sang!
As I read your devotion, I was reminded of Susanna Wesley and her 15/16 children on this Mother’s Day and her sons who probably were mentored or inspired to write hymns. God richly bless you, Martin.
Thanks Martin
I too love to sing all those old gospel songs!
You can write… and I love to read your Devotionals!
God bless you!!
Martin, this brought such fond memories of my own mom who also sang as she did her work around the house. I can’t even remember now specifically what she sang, but it left a lasting impression with me as well as it evidenced the joy of living a happy, contented life in the Lord.
Thank you, Martin, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today!
The only requirement Scripture gives us is to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It says nothing about singing on key or beautifully…but it does use the word melody… which can be dissonant. Blessings.
Thank you, Martin, for this reflection of your mother’s singing. I too recall hearing my mother’s voice singing at home and then in church in the choir and as a soloist, singing the gospel message. Later I too joining in with the joy of being able to sing wonderful messages of redemption and peace in Christ. Today, on Mother’s Day here, I am remembering my mother and the blessings of her voice echoing the beauty of the gospel message. Thanks for this reflection.
I really enjoyed your devotional this morning Martin as it brought back the memories of my mother who had a beautiful singing voice and was always invited to join choirs in our hometown. I did not inherit her talent and I sure keep my voice very low when there is singing. It sounds as though you do the same, but the words that you speak in reverence of our Lord are the important ones and you do an excellent job of sharing and delivering His word. Blessings for these special writings you deliver.
Good Morning Martin!
I found your devotional so moving today! I identify with you not vocalizing in song but for a different reason.
I have no ability to ‘sing aloud’, having had polyps removed several years ago. I do, however, sing from my heart and head and others don’t know there’s no sound coming out. When I ‘sing’ in church or while playing my piano at home, it’s not vocalizing but I sure can praise the Lord in the way He has provided…mouthing the words that I believe so strongly!
Thanks for sharing!
You reminded me of when churches were reopening after the Covid shutdown, and I’d hear people complaining that they couldn’t /weren’t allowed to sing. I’d share the way I’ve ‘sung’ silently for many years now and maybe they could try it.
Many times, I have heard others say to sing anyway, even if it’s a voice like you claim to have Martin. I know Scripture says ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord’ but I think it would perhaps be a distraction and not enhancing worship for yourself and/or others. There are many ways to praise the Lord, but it doesn’t mean you or I have to vocalize ‘our singing’.
Have a great day!
Hi Martin,
Thanks for another great Devotional, it was really awesome. Keep up the great work writing your Devotionals.
Thanks again,
Blessings,
(Ontario, Canada)
Thanks, Martin. Like you, I can’t sing well, but I like your ideas for “singing” in other ways.
I prefer songs of praise and hope – Blessed Assurance.