With my song I give thanks to him. – Psalm 28:7
Do you wake up with a song in your heart? Maybe it stays with you for part of the day and you find yourself humming or softly singing it as you go about your many activities. Namni Goel, PhD., who is a research associate professor in psychology at the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, says, “The morning is a critical time that can set the tone for the entire day.”
David wrote, “I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning” (Psalm 59:16). Again, in Psalm 92, he declares in joyful song the steadfast love of the Lord in the morning “to the music of the lute and the harp, the melody of the lyre” (verses 1-4).
Pastor and author J.D. Greer suggests that songs can be a sermon you sing to yourself. “There’s something about music that can accomplish in four minutes what a preacher can’t in 40. Music gets lodged in your mind. It bounces around your head when you aren’t even thinking about it. In short, it sticks.” In his commentary on today’s verse, theologian Matthew Henry concludes, “Thus must we express our gratitude. It is the least we can do.”
So what “sermon” does your heart start out with in the morning? Something from Beyonce or Taylor Swift? Maybe a tune from George Strait? Think back to your last experience of praise and worship. Did you sing “I Thank God,” “ ’Til I Found You,” or maybe, “Who You Say I Am.” Maybe you enjoy an old favorite. By the way, it isn’t too early to play and sing Christmas carols. Make it a point to sing psalms, hymns, and other spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord in your heart each day (Ephesians 5:19). You will have a far more joyful and productive day.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
