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.

Stealing from the world away,

We are come to seek Thy face;

Kindly meet us, Lord, we pray,

Grant us Thy reviving grace.
 
Yonder stars that gild the sky

Shine but with a borrowed light:

We, unless Thy light be nigh,

Wander, wrapped in gloomy night.
 
Sun of righteousness! dispel

All our darkness, doubts and fears:

May Thy light within us dwell,

Till eternal day appears.
 
Warm our hearts in prayer and praise,

Lift our every thought above;

Hear the grateful songs we raise,

Fill us with Thy perfect love.
—Ray Palmer (1808–1887)