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 on the words of the hymns we so often sing.

Come, let us join our cheerful songs

With angels round the throne.

Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,

But all their joys are one.
 
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry,

“To be exalted thus!”

“Worthy the Lamb,” our hearts reply,

“For He was slain for us!”
 
Jesus is worthy to receive

Honor and power divine;

And blessings more than we can give,

Be, Lord, forever Thine.
 
Let all that dwell above the sky,

And air and earth and seas,

Conspire to lift Thy glories high,

And speak Thine endless praise!
 
The whole creation join in one,

To bless the sacred Name

Of Him Who sits upon the throne,

And to adore the Lamb.

—Isaac Watts (1674–1748)