Ponder This: Easter Morning is a marvelous celebration. What new song will you sing to the LORD for all He has done?
Scripture To Consider: Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
-Psalm 98:1
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Tom's Response:
Quite often, I wake up in the morning with a song in my head. Sometimes I haven't heard the song in 20+ years, and I still remember every word. These songs don't come by choice, and they won't leave my head until I get up and get active. Apparently, it's a thing, and many people were created with this gift.
There have also been many times when I wake up in the middle of the night with a tune in my head that I had not heard before, typically with comforting lyrics that blend well. It's as if the Holy Spirit creates these melodies to bring peace and to encourage me to turn to the LORD. It is an intimate time with God, my creator. When I wake, I cannot recall the words or melody, but I feel peace. It is a beautiful reminder that God knows me. Psalm 139:13-16 tells us God is personally involved in our creation. He knows the best time to reach me so we can spend time together. He knows that sometimes I have difficulty coming to Him, so He comes to me. My “new song” will be giving thanks to God for pursuing me and loving me just as I am.
Fun Fact: "Joy to the World" was written in 1719 and is a hymn paraphrased from Psalm 98. We all know this is a Christmas song, but I think it should be an Easter song too. I will be singing this song in praise this week.
Karen's Response:
Easter is such a marvelous celebration! The greatest day for all Christians to stand secure, knowing we have eternal hope and an eternal future. As we remember the sacrifice and the victory of our Risen LORD, our response is to give praise. In Psalm 98:1, we are invited to respond in a fresh way (a new song) as we give thanks for all God has done for us.
If you are anything like me, when I want to sing to the Lord, I turn on praise and worship music - I just love the beautiful, heartfelt songs that seem to express just how I am feeling and just what I want to say to Jesus. What a talent. But today, I will spend time writing a new song, just from me, to My God. It is a big step out of my comfort zone, but I know God loves to hear my voice (even though it isn’t the best) because He has told me in The Word.
Psalm 100:1-2 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Song of Solomon 2:14 - show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.
My new song:
I stand and celebrate your victory.
For death no longer has hold of me.
You laid down your life, so I can be free,
Now, with the joy of Christ in me.
Oh Jesus, my praise I give to Thee.
Bought for a price at Calvary
Renewed, restored, redeemed, that is me,
A vessel for God, I’m called to be.
Singing and praising, Your Majesty
Oh Jesus, my heart I give to Thee
