Speechless?

Devotional for Monday, July 19, 2010 by Brenda Wood

Old time western heroes are generally portrayed as the strong, silent type. These days, I've noticed more and more of those strong, silent folk in our churches. Many Christians don't participate vocally during praise and worship time. "I don't sing," they declare, as though this were some kind of badge of honour. And others copy them.

It might work in the movies, but not in worship. They have all set themselves up for failure.

Psalm 8:2 - Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence (or "still" -- KJV) the enemy and the avenger. (AMP)

One definition of "silence" as a verb in Webster's Dictionary is "to refute with arguments which are unanswerable". According to Strong's Concordance, the Hebrew word translated "still" is "shabath" or "sabbath", meaning to repose or to desist from exertion.

Just think! Our praises silence God's enemy, our avenger! Well then! Is everybody ready for a round of "Great is Thy faithfulness" or "Onward Christian Soldiers"? Too long? Well then, let's head into a couple of praise choruses! And while our enemies are being silenced, let's not forget that we are also resting from having to do that ourselves!

Prayer: Lord, we are easily swayed by our feelings and our friends. Remind us again that Your truths and precepts are the only ones worth following. Help us to take the path to rest and freedom by simply singing out Your words! In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada

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Today's Music:     Hold The Fort.  

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