My sister is the music teacher at the Christian school where I teach. It’s her first year as a music teacher and she has been nervous all year long. To add to her anxiety, her husband was sent overseas for a little more than two months with the military.
During that time, she worked with the students practicing for the Spring Program. Almost daily, she asked prayer for the students who forgot lines, couldn’t remember the words (or the tune!) to the songs, or for some other aspect of the program. Her desire was not for a Broadway-worthy musical but rather that the message of the program would not be hindered by mistakes or mess-ups.
The day of the program three students from the bell choir informed her they wouldn’t be at the program that evening. She ended up playing the bells with the other students. It all came together beautifully. The students spoke clearly and remembered almost all their lines. The words to the songs spoke clearly to every listener.
The theme of the program was to praise God regardless of our circumstances. Even when nothing is going right, praise God. The final song titled “No Matter What” summed up the whole message. The chorus declared that I’m going to love and praise God no matter what happened in my life.
With great confidence, the children sang that they knew God was capable of taking away every pain, but if He chose not to do it, He would be with us through it. It gave me chills. God tells us to praise and glorify Him, not just in the good times, but in the rough times.
When we give Him praise ALL the time, He is honored and glorified. After all, that’s our job here on earth. That is why we were created; to praise God no matter what.
Memory Verse:
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
– Psalm 69:30 (KJV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Loving Father, help us remember to praise You even when we don’t feel like it. Give us that ability to sing and magnify You through whatever You allow in our lives. Thank You for being with us, always…”
Contributing Writer:
Christine Long
Your devo was so timely! Thanks for sharing your insights & the Scriptures!