Daily DevotionalsThe song of Moses (Exodus 15:1–19) was both declaration and anticipation: it looked back and forward. Within a few hours of singing this masterpiece of praise, however, the Israelites were murmuring! The question that must be asked then is, how many Israelites sang in the congregation that day with no real feeling or sincerity?

We must ask ourselves the same question. Do we sing with the heart or only with the mouth? Is our singing with an engaged mind, a faithful heart, and earnest desire for the God we praise? Meditate this month on the words of the hymns we so often sing.

The saints should never be dismayed,
Nor sink in hopeless fear;

For when they least expect His aid,

The Savior will appear.
 
When Jonah sunk beneath the wave,

He thought to rise no more;

But God prepared a fish to save,

And bear him to the shore.
 
Blest proofs of power and grace divine,

That meet us in His Word!

May every deep felt care of mine

Be trusted with the Lord.
 
Wait for His seasonable aid,

And though it tarry, wait:

The promise may be long delayed,

But cannot come too late. 

—William Cowper (1779)