The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
(a repeat from 2018)
"Melody of the Heart"
"I used to sing in the choir."
Many years ago, after a service at a local retirement community, I spent a few moments with Ms. Brenda. She had lived at the facility for many years, and was a regular attendee at our meetings. Ms. Brenda suffered a stroke, had diabetes, and underwent dialysis weekly. She had been through a lot, but maintained a sweetness of spirit and attitude that blessed us each time we saw her. She confirmed the words of the Lord declared to the Apostle Paul regarding his thorn in the flesh: "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).
"I can't sing anymore" continued Ms. Brenda. "I just don't have the strength. I wish I could…" Her voice trailed off wistfully. My sister's words touched me deeply. I have heard them before from many people experiencing similar physical trials, particularly those who have suffered strokes. This time, without thinking I responded, "Ms. Brenda, I can hear your heart." The statement surprised me, despite it coming from my own lips. It also brought tears to my eyes because it is so true. Again, we've known literally hundreds of believers who once sang for the Lord, about the Lord, and to the Lord. They still do. With their hearts. I can hear them. I can see the Lord's song in their eyes and faces. Their voices have been stilled by weakness and infirmity, and like Ms. Brenda, it hurts them. It hurts me to think about it. However, the Christ-filled heart from which musical praises and thanksgivings originate cannot be stilled…
"Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:18-19).
The Psalmist asked, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psalm 137:4). God's answer reveals that the Holy Spirit can compose melodies, harmonies, and beautiful strains of Christ's love in any heart wherein He dwells, and wherein He finds faith and devotion. "God my Maker… giveth songs in the night" (Job 35:10). Our Heavenly Father hears our hearts. His own heart of compassion doubtless feels the pain known by sons and daughters in Christ who once sang with voices that can no longer sound and resound to His glory. He will one day restore those voices to a more beautiful utterance than ever known. For now, He listens to those like Ms. Brenda as the melody of their heart ascends to Him from the beauty of holiness that cannot be stilled by the battering of physical infirmity.
"I can hear your heart." I meant those words spoken to a dear sister in Christ whose life sang the Lord's song. Yes, I could hear Ms. Brenda's heart. However, her Father in Heaven hears it so much more. How it must bless His heart as His children "sing the Lord's song in a strange land." And how it blesses my heart to "hear" that song composed by the Spirit, inspired by the Savior, and sung by the souls of the saints...
"I will sing with the spirit!"
(I Corinthians 14:15)
Weekly Memory Verse
The Root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
(Proverb 12:12)
7181
No comments:
Post a Comment