Monday, August 11
- Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
- Reflection: Wait a minute! Children of God, can you picture Godself, upon seeing you, leaping from whatever seat or throne Godself might be using, and beginning to sing and dance? Shouts and ululations of rejoicing! Imagine the Creator’s delight in you! Divine love exudes this joy, when you turn to Godself, and come into that presence. It’s the kind of Love that runs toward you, sweeps you into its arms, and embraces you, swinging your feet off the ground, whirling you around, laughing and crying.
That same Holy Love invites us to mirror such delight in our lives. Include some music in your day, and let God’s loving presence come near and lift you up. Then pass along the cheer, if you’re able. - Spiritual Practice Prompt: Take a moment to listen to music that brings you cheer, imagining it as God’s serenade to you. Could you sing to someone else today? Surprise them? Try something like, “Good morning, sunshine” to the vendor you see at the coffee shop or in the cashier’s line at the grocery or at the post office? Or record a message, singing a cheerful song, and leave it on someone’s voicemail as a surprise? Just because! Spread the cheer!
Song:
- “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers: https://youtu.be/bEeaS6fuUoA?si=srQa9oqHbUQD0uHJ
Sometimes, if you begin to sing in a halfhearted mood, you can sing yourself up the ladder. Singing will often make the heart rise. — Charles Spurgeon
There’s several ways of saying what’s on your mind. And in states and counties where it ain’t too healthy to talk too loud, speak your mind, or even vote like you want to, folks have found other ways of getting the word around. One of the mainest ways is by singing. — Woody Guthrie
August 11 Daily Devotional