Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
Like many of you, I am on the pong list for FReeper "The Mayor" for a Devotional called "Our Daily Bread". This morning, as usual, I opened my FR page and found this entry:
October 14
Strengthened in Song
Bible in a Year:
Isaiah 43–44
1 Thessalonians 2
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress. Psalm 59:16
When French villagers helped Jewish refugees hide from the Nazis during World War II, some sang songs in the dense forest surrounding their town—letting the refugees know it was safe to come out from hiding. These brave townspeople of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon had answered the call of local pastor André Trocmé and his wife, Magda, to offer wartime refuge to Jews on their windswept plateau known as “La Montagne Protestante.” Their musical signal became just one feature of the villagers’ bravery that helped save up to 3,000 Jews from almost certain death.
In another dangerous time, David sang when his enemy Saul sent nighttime assassins to his house. His use of music wasn’t a signal; rather, it was his song of gratitude to God his refuge. David rejoiced, “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 59:16).
Such singing isn’t “whistling in the dark” during danger. Instead, David’s singing conveyed his trust in almighty God. “You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely” (v. 17).
David’s praise, and the villagers’ singing in Le Chambon, offer an invitation to bless God today with our singing, making melody to Him despite the worries of life. His loving presence will respond, strengthening our hearts.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when you’re singing your favorite praise song? Why do praise songs inspire us to feel stronger?
Dear God, strengthen my heart with praises that transform my fears and worries into worship of You.
Well, what a coincidence (not!). Here we have been doing this study about music in the Bible and this particular Devotional came up today. In our text, we read of Solomon completing the building of the Temple, and having a huge ceremony of dedication. The number of musicians involved is staggering, and the sound of 120 trumpets all going at the same time must have been deafening. And then, Asaph, perhaps overwhelmed by the Glory of God, sings the shortest song in the entire Bible. It is only ten words in the original Hebrew, but most of us would have been SPEECHLESS.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance! (Psalm 33)
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS