3 days into the New Year and I fell asleep last night wanting a “do-over”. This morning, I am singing a new song. All the accumulated mess and sick and yuck that transpired in our home has not been washed away, but circumstances are not the dictator of my new song. I would love to tell you why I am singing.
Today is January 3, 2015 and this gem of a verse was the nourishment and encouragement I received first thing this morning:
“Sing to The Lord a new song!” Isaiah 42:10 (NKJV)
Your year may be off to a great start or you may have already used up an entire box of Kleenex wiping away tears this week. Your teams may have won; you might be enjoying a relaxing vacation; you may feel like a ridiculous loser for making and already breaking resolutions, but whatever your circumstances are, you (and I) are told to sing.
I am a terrible singer. I cannot carry a tune in a bucket. I thought it would be clever to pen a poem or song in this blog expressing my heart this morning, but my efforts were laughable. My attempt made “Gangnam Style” look like Chaucer. Because I am terribly lacking in musical skills, I find it even more wonderful that I am commanded to sing… and sing every day… and to sing loudly with all my strength (Psalm 81:1-2).
The God of the universe who commands me to sing is unsearchable. I could never know Him so well that songs I offer Him would get repetitive or dull. He is the King of all creation; He is the captain of Heaven’s armies. He is the vine. His banner over me is Love. He is my shepherd and savior and shield. He is the Alpha and Omega, and as we say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in a new year, my heart is bursting with song because He is Alpha and Omega.
Without rhyme or rhythm, here is a peek into my heart’s song this morning:
“Holy God, You are Alpha and Omega, and I love this about You.
Thank you for being the Alpha.
Thank you that today is a brand new day and that your mercies are new every morning.
Thank you that you are all about new beginnings and creating beauty from nothing.
Thank you for being the first and always going before me.
Thank you for being the one who grows new shoots out of the stump of cut down trees.
Thank you that life begins with you.
Thank you for being the Omega.
Thank you that when you are finished with something, it is over.
Thank you for being the end to my sins.
You died and paid for them and then you sat down, because you finished your job.
Thank you for using death to be the launching pad for life.
Thank you for not being finished with me yet.
Thank you for being the ending so that I can have a clean and fresh beginning.”
Precious friends, today is appointed for you. No matter what today or 2015 holds, it was especially designed for you. You are equipped to thrive, so sing about it.
Recognize that you were chosen for such a time as this….no matter what this time holds.
The apostle Paul lived a life riddled with trials and bumpy circumstances, but he set a great example for us by embracing his “today”. He sang praises during the bad days and the good ones. I am so encouraged to follow his example and to attempt to lift a song that will be a sweet aroma to our God- the Alpha and Omega.
Oh friends, sing with me. We are members of a mighty chorus.
“Paul thanked God and took courage.” Acts 28:15 (NKJV)
“Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.Raise a song and strike the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the lute.” Ps 81:1-2 (NKJV)
“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Neh 8:10 (NKJV)