DAILY DEVOT IONAL 20
Deanna Geiter
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of your cataracts; all your waves and your billows have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. - Psalm 42:7-8
What songs are you singing today? Is there a melody in your heart? How is that melody speaking to your soul? Recently, I was working with a large group of students as they learned about how Joshua led the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho seven times before the walls tumbled and collapsed. For the lesson, the students marched around a wall blowing horns which sounded like a dreadful drone. Perhaps, that is your song today. There is power in music. There is power in the sighs, the groans and even the dreadful drones. Through this story, we learn that God’s promises are steadfast and true, so we should follow God, listen to God and obey God, even when life here on earth isn’t fair and doesn’t make sense. Still, we are called to share a faithful witness to the goodness of God.
One afternoon I went to the hospital to visit a friend but as I walked down the hallway a woman stopped me. She knew me from living in the community. As soon as she saw me, her face brightened up, she began waving to me and calling my name. Her son was in critical condition following an accident. The prognosis for healing wasn’t known at this time as the situation was tenuous. She greeted me and asked, “Will come in and pray with us?” I agreed and felt honored to be asked to pray with her and her son, but to my surprise as we opened the door to enter his room, the room was full with family members who circled the bed. They all greeted me but then continued to pray. This moment was life transformative for me. They were holding hands, taking turns praying and leaving some space for silence. One of the children who was part of the circle began to sing the song, “Jesus Loves Me” followed by “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart.” Despite the groans and the sighs, despite the uncertainty and the unknown, there was joy and there was peace. In those moments I learned the power of music and how the melodies that are on hearts brings us hope and joy. The songs we sing speak to the depths of our longings, grief, and pain. I also learned the importance of community and how healing occurs when we can come together seeking God and seeking the good and grace in all things, despite the circumstances.
Storms come and go. Droughts and famines are often present. However, through it all, we can trust that God is with and God is for us. Landscapes will change. The things of this world will come and go, but our God is faithful, steadfast, and always present. Our God will work through our challenges, chaos and “stuff” to bring about goodness. God has covered each of us with grace. Our God is our Rock and Redeemer. It is our God who restores. During the chaos and disruptions in our life, the melodies in our hearts will sustain us. Sing the songs of faith and praise. What is songs are you singing? What is your theme song? How are you giving God the glory through the songs you sing?
PRAYER:
You, O Lord, are our Rock and Redeemer. It is You who sustains us and comforts us. Thank you for the gift of song that you have placed in our hearts. Speak to us and give a bold, faithful witness to your steadfast love, even in the midst of the storms. Amen.
QUESTIONS:
1. Read Joshua 6. What are some walls in your life that need to come down?
2. Read Romans 8:28. How have you witnessed God at work in your life to make things good, right, just and holy? Please note that Scripture does not say that we will never have trials.
3. Read Psalm 42. What is your song that you are singing to the Lord? How have you witnessed restoration following the storm?
HYMNS, SONGS, OR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Rock of Ages
It Is Well with My Soul
Take My Life
Praise You in this Storm
Eye of the Storm
Goodness of God
Peace Be Still
Blessed Be the Name