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.

All that I am I owe to Thee,

Thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me;

I give my Maker thankful praise,

Whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
 
Ere into being I was brought,

Thine eye did see, and in Thy thought

My life in all its perfect plan

Was ordered ere my days began.
 
Thy thoughts, O God, how manifold,

More precious unto me than gold!

I muse on their infinity,

Awaking I am still with Thee.
 
The wicked Thou shalt surely slay,

From me let sinners turn away;

They speak against the Name divine,

I count God’s enemies as mine.
 
Search me, O God, my heart discern,

Try me, my inmost thought to learn;

And lead me, if in sin I stray,

To choose the everlasting way.
—The Psalter 1912. Paraphrase of Psalm 139:14–24