REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on June 13, 2017. Andrew, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Can Singing Worship Songs be a Powerful Experience?”
Revelation 5:9-10
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
During one of the most challenging times of my life, I discovered that singing worship songs could be a powerful exercise of faith. As I struggled to remain steadfast with my heart full of doubts, it was difficult to sing lyrics that proclaimed the hope of God. Everything around me just seemed like evidence that proved my doubts, making it almost impossible to sing the words on the screen with full conviction. Yet as I worshipped and praised God with words that I did not fully believe, God began to turn my heart towards His hope. I found that in the simple act of bringing my doubts before Him and singing with the small amount of conviction I possessed, He met me where I was, helping me to believe in the words before me. Singing worship songs became a new reservoir of strength and power that I could now draw from. I would not have persevered without it.
Similarly, the recipients of the letter of Revelation were going through trying times. Under the Roman Empire, being faithful to the ways of God was not an easy task for them. Rome’s manner of life was attractive and the pressure to conform was crushing. The difficulty was experienced on many levels: they were socially marginalized, economically disadvantaged, and culturally isolated. For these reasons, the temptation to succumb was incredibly powerful. However, in Revelation 5:9-10, they were given a new song to sing—a song proclaiming the victory of their King and the hope of a future kingdom where they will reign with God. They would one day experience a new world where there will be no more pain or suffering. Although it might have been difficult to believe in these words, this new song was to function as a source of hope, helping the believers to overcome and remain steadfast until the end.
In the same way, many of us are having difficulty remaining hopeful in God. However, let us not distance ourselves away from His presence but sing songs that proclaim His hope. He will meet us in His grace, giving us what we do not possess and providing all that we need to be victorious!
Prayer: Father, thank You that even in our weakness and lack of faith, You still meet us. I pray that especially in times of difficulty, You would provide me with the strength and perseverance to remain faithful to Your cause. Give me the type of faith that praises You in every circumstance and situation. Amen!
Bible Reading for Today: Deuteronomy 17
Lunch Break Study
Read Psalm 103:1-5: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Questions to Consider
- What is the crucial step that the psalmist takes in verse 2, which leads him to bless God?
- What are the benefits that the psalmist blesses the Lord for?
- How have worship songs played a role in your relationship with God? Take some time to reflect.
Notes
- The psalmist does “not forget all His benefits.” The first step in blessing and praising God is learning to frequently remember His goodness towards us, especially when it’s difficult to see it.
- The psalmist blesses the Lord for God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption, steadfast love, and the satisfying of his soul.
- Personal response.
Evening Reflection
Before going to sleep, take some time to reflect on your life and give thanks for God’s faithfulness, goodness, and grace.
Psalm 77:11-12: “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;I will remember your wonders of old.12 I will meditate on all your work,and muse on your mighty deeds.”