Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 15:1-2.
“Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said,
“I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.
2 “The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will extol Him.” Exodus 15:1-2.
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Today’s Scripture gives us a good example of a song that has lyrics that exalt God. These lyrics exalt what God has done: “The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.” These lyrics exalt Who God is to the singer: “The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation”. You can tell how much spiritual passion, gratitude, and praise to God that Moses and the sons of Israel were able to show through this song.
But, consider how often the songs in a worship service are chosen for different reasons than exalting God. The songs may exalt ourselves with lyrics like “I will follow Him” or “I will surrender” or “Here I am. Send me.” Or, the songs may exalt the voice of the lead singer or the ability of a praise band member to play a certain musical instrument, drowning out the voices of the congregation who either don’t know the song or who don’t have microphones. Or, the songs may exalt the praise band member or popular artist who wrote the song.
But, there is hope!
The Book of Psalms provides a treasure chest of lyrics for songs that exalt God. The Psalter Hymnal has been used by Reformed Churches for so long.
“O sing to the LORD a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” Psalm 98:1.
“6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
8 God reigns over the nations,
God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:6-8.
“Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3 Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.” Psalm 96:1-3.
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
3 With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
4 For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:1-4.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 