Ephesians 5:19-20 – Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

My horse, Frank, and I were lining up once again for the Canada Day parade in our little town. When the director of the parade had asked us to participate, I agreed, but also requested that we be put behind a float that would be playing music, as Frank loves music and will quite willingly follow it.

Now, we were patiently, or should I say, impatiently, waiting in our designated spot for the parade to begin. I was sitting quite happily in the cart, enjoying the sights and sounds. The dogs were doing likewise as they lay beside the cart. Frank, however, was fidgeting and throwing his head and seeking to move around the float ahead of us instead of staying behind it.

Finally, however, the signal was given to move forward, and the music began. Frank perked up and stepped out smartly as the fiddlers commenced with a lively tune. Around the streets we travelled, Frank keeping his place and pace with the music from beginning to end.

Making music in our heart to the Lord can have a similar effect on the people that we deal with everyday. Frank followed the float ahead of us because the music compelled him to do so. When we, as God's people, are filled with the music of thanksgiving and praise to Him in our hearts, even when the going gets tough, it deeply affects our personalities and character, as well as our outlook on life. A thankful spirit transforms us into positive, joyful, pleasant, peace-filled, hopeful people, the kind of people that others feel compelled to be around, and yes, even follow.

So today, as it unfolds moment by moment, let us all seek, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to be aware of the music in our own hearts. Let us choose, by faith, to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to Him who loves us, that we might not only make others aware of the One Whom we follow, but also perhaps provide the opportunity for them to do so, too.

Prayer: Father God and wonderful Lord, we give You praise and thanks for all that is going to happen to us this day, as we know, through the truth of Your Word, that the plans that You have for us are always for our good, to give us a hope and a future, and not for our woe. May the music of our hearts this day reveal this truth to others and be as a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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