Am I So Full of Song?

“My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.“ Psalm 108:1-4

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3

The sky was a must-see this morning, thickly-applied clouds that would imminently transform over watercolor grey; within moments, they did. And the birds! Scattered singles, and pairs, a regal vee, graceful murmurations, dipping, swooping, fluttering, all the while chirping in twits, tweets, cheer-ups, swirls of song to greet the new day. Many more I cannot see, yet my spirits are elevated by their rhythmic chatter and melodies, almost expecting to see smiles and lifted throats.

Do I so bring in the morning? What are my first thoughts and sounds upon awakening? Is my heart impulse to praise, to recount my thanksgivings? Do I pepper my words with the joy of song?

Take note of the alternatives. Do responsibilities weigh and goad? Fretting and busyness are detrimental to attitude and agitate relationships. Do plans and schedules hold hostage my attention? Seeking Christ first puts all else in perspective and right priority. Does fear hold me a prisoner? The Lord promises to take care of His own. Do cares and worry claim my emotion? A heart filled with anxiety drowns vitality and eats away at faith, but giving it to God brings His peace. Is my speech riddled with complaining, or irritation, or frustration, at all that is not pleasant or going my way? When the Word dwells there richly, it will spill over in wisdom and song. (Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 6:27,33; 10:29-31; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Whatever takes hold, and comes out, I must think of it as my morning offering to the God who gives the new day. How will I make it a song? I can exchange a personal burden to extolling God’s attribute that meets and overcomes. My dread of inadequacy becomes praise for His sufficiency; my fears, His victories. My needs, His supply; my angst, His calm. My bitterness, His love; my pain, His ultimate healing.

Starting with song graces the day. It fills the mind with lofty thoughts, and sets anticipation for thanksgiving and gladness. It takes focus from me to my Lord, and through His lens, all that concerns. It invites the Spirit to consume wandering affections and direct our plans. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Lord, may I greatly rejoice in You and my soul exult in You. Cause righteousness and praise to sprout up from my heart and mouth each day so Your glory is my tone and best delight. (Isaiah 61:10-11)