What does your soul crave?

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud … for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NKJV).

Music is a powerful force that can impact us in very personal ways, as well as an ability to affect the atmosphere around us. It can actually be used as a tool to bring joy, sooth anxious hearts, and act as an agent for healing. When we sing songs of praise, we prepare our own hearts and ears to hear from God, we experience an uplifting and infilling of joy, and we push back the dark forces that attempt to come against us.

Music and song are in fact spiritual tools and weapons. Israel won the battle against Moab and Ammon when they followed the Lord’s directive to put the worshipers and musicians in front of the army as they went to battle (2 Chronicles 20:22). When Saul was bothered by a harassing spirit, David would play the harp for him and Saul would be refreshed and made well, and the unwelcome spirit would have to leave (1 Samuel 16:23). Songs of praise and worship will actually usher the presence and glory of God into our personal circumstances, and even have the power to change the spiritual atmosphere in whole cities. God Himself rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). So just sing…. you will feel better, you will walk in greater light and victory, and you can even affect the spiritual atmosphere of your city.

“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. … We will sing and praise your power. … Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. … So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.” (Psalms 7:17, 21:13b, 30:4, 61:8 (NKJV)

Questions: Take some time today just praising the Lord.

About the Author Emmie Stanley

“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…” (Psalm 40:3).

As we listen to the people around us and even to our own thoughts and words, it seems that it is time to look afresh for the song in our hearts. God is the one who puts the music of hope and peace and love into our hearts and He alone enables us to navigate the twists and turns of life with true joy that is not conditional on our circumstances.

Time in His presence is the very first thing we need in finding afresh the music of our hearts.

There are also 5 simple, practical steps we can add to our days and encourage others to as we seek to lead those around us to higher ground.

L……Leisure
Make sure you schedule some leisure time for yourself.  Especially in the midst of economic change it is important to look away from the pressures now and then and find some refreshing leisure activity.  Get creative. Make it simple. Take the kids for a hike, cook a meal with your partner, have some friends over to play a game and laugh together, build something. Give yourself permission to take little leisure breaks.  It may seem trivial to think of it now, but it can become a lifeline during stressful times.  It will also help kindle the relationships that sometimes get strained with the daily challenges that face us. Plan mini breaks.

A……Affirm
Look around you and intentionally find the good. Affirm the positive things you see and hear.  Negativity is so easy to slip into and it can permeate you life like smoke permeates a forest. It clouds your thinking too. Affirm your loved ones regularly. When pressures in life mount up we tend to take it out on those we love the most. Be intentional in affirming the relationships you treasure and guard them in changing times. Look for the positive.

U…..U-turns
Allow yourself the freedom of making a U turn in life. If the direction you are going needs changing then make the change necessary. If you want a different job, take an online course and begin to work in that direction. If your marriage is feeling tense read some books on relationships, plan some positive times together or get some counsel. If your body is discouraging you make a plan to eat less and move more. Concentrate on the things in life that you have the power to change and focus some energy there rather than dwelling on the things you have no power over. Change what you can.

G….Give
Find ways to give. When life gets challenging our tendency is to hoard our resources. Give of your time to help someone out; coach a kid’s team, or do some repairs around the house. Give time to listen to those you love and hear the feelings behind the words. Give encouragement. Give kindness to strangers.  When you are feeling depleted, intentionally choose to give and you will be surprised at the refreshing it will bring to you. Be generous without using money.

H…..Hope
Dare to hope in tomorrow. Fan the flames of hope in your heart.  When hope feels scarce dare to hope in God to give you the strength you need when the road feels hard and rough. We all need hope in something beyond ourselves. God can provide that hope and that help when we simply ask Him to join us on the road of life and walk with us. He is the ultimate source of help and He is the one who can bring hope for tomorrow. Reach out for hope.

Lord, Help me to make time to be in Your presence where You can stir a new song in my heart. Help me to be an intentional influencer in these challenging days. Use me, Lord, to help those around me find firm footing in Your strength. Help me to bring joy to my corner of the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions: What step do you need to focus on yourself today? Are you making time to be in God’s presence so He can give you a new song in your heart?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Hiding Among the Trees, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog