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.

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine!

Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,

O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
 
May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,

Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!
 
While life’s dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;

Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.
 
When ends life’s transient dream,

When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;

Blest Saviour, then in love, fear and distrust remove;

O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!
—Ray Palmer (1808–1887)