“Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them.” (Deuteronomy 31:19, NIV)
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Too often, I am a pensive golfer. I already play extremely quickly, so I don’t speed up, and I don’t slow down with jittery quirks. What I do is mumble. Every shot lives on a knife’s edge, and when one doesn’t come off as I’d like it to, I mumble my way to my next shot. Unless…
There are other days, however, when I come to the course with a song in my head (or my heart, or wherever it is that songs reside when they just keep repeating themselves over and over). And since I don’t listen to a lot of music outside of church, that song is invariably a worship chorus or hymn. On these days, I really enjoy my round, no matter how I play. And I should, because for four consecutive hours some lyricist’s truth from Scripture has a chance to roll around in my brain, and even fall off my lips when I’m walking down the fairway.
Frequently you will hear winning tour players who know Jesus speak of how they and their caddie traded Bible verses, reminding each other of God’s truth, as the round progressed. It’s the same idea. If we can get God’s words into our head, they will wash over most everything else that wants to build a home there.
When Moses was nearing the end of his life, God engaged him for the purpose of giving him some final instructions. Among those was that Moses was to teach the people a song, one that would bear witness for God. It would hold up his truths against their falsehoods and serve as an enduring reminder of his faithfulness.
Now understand, this song was a dirge, indicting the people for their waywardness and even pronouncing judgment on them. But sad songs, like joyous ones, have a way of seeping into our spirit and moving us to something new. Where we want all songs to move us is into a deeper understanding of and closer interaction with God. So singing them in times and places when we are least likely to serve him well is always an excellent plan!
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Jeff Hopper
May 3, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.