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.

Mindful of our human frailty

Is the God in Whom we trust;

He Whose years are everlasting,

He remembers we are dust.
 
Man is like the tender flower,

And his days are like the grass,

Withered where it lately flourished

By the blighting winds that pass.
 
Changeless is Jehovah’s mercy

Unto those who fear His Name,

From eternity abiding

To eternity the same.
 
All the faithful to His covenant

Shall behold His righteousness;

He will be their strength and refuge

And their children’s children bless.
—Paraphrase of Psalm 103; author unknown.