I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:6
How often do you sing to the Lord in response to who he is and what he’s done for you? A sure indicator of how well you are keeping in step with God’s Spirit is how often and with what devotion praise exudes from your heart. We would do well to emulate David’s response here; in fact, it may very well change our lives.
Allow me to share two examples. First, consider the grouchy man (whom we all know). In the morning he wakes up and complains he must go to work. He is tired, stressed, and bored of his daily life. He complains about the traffic; he complains about his co-workers. He gets home and complains to his wife, only then to be annoyed by his children’s needs and pestering. Trying to escape through some evening entertainment on the couch, he falls asleep and does it all over again in the morning.
But now consider who you know as the grateful man (whom we rarely know). In the morning he wakes up and thanks God for another day. He prays, reads the Word, and memorizes Scripture. On the way to work in the traffic he listens to an encouraging sermon; he then tells his co-workers about what he listened to. After working hard he gets home, eager to see his wife and kids. He knows his real day begins at 5pm when he helps cook dinner, cleans the dishes and does devotions with his family. He prays with his wife before bed and lays his head on the pillow—tired, yes—but thanking God for another day.
Now tell me: what is the difference between these two men? I’ll be quick to tell you it was not their circumstances; indeed, they each had very similar life situations. Rather, it was the constant tune of their hearts throughout the day. You’ll notice the heart of the grouchy man was inward…selfish. The song of his heart was complaint, entitlement, and “woe-is-me.” But for the grateful man? The song of his heart was thanksgiving, servitude, and “God is good.” The grouchy man was singing the blues about his situation; the grateful man was singing to the Lord.
You see, it is never the case of your circumstances which determines your outlook on life. Rather, it is how well you understand (or don’t understand) the grace of God. When the gospel invades your life—when you realize the power of God’s grace to forgive, cleanse, transform and empower you—then you see everyday as a chance to live out that grace. Of course there will be tragedy, temptation, trial and testing. Of course you live in a fallen world. Yet those who continually trust in Christ’s sustaining grace for their lives will always be singing to Him.
O, my soul, what kind of song are you singing today? Is the melody of my mind pleasing to you, O Lord? Is it in response to your mercies and grace for me in Christ Jesus and by the help of your Spirit? O God, do help me realize today how you love me with an everlasting love, how you are for me with ever-powerful force, and how you work in my life with ever-present help.
O Lord, I will sing to you today, for you have dealt so bountifully with me.