(Devotional Submission for the Proverbs 31 writer's contest. See Lysa Terkeurst for more details.)
LET THE LITTLE
CHILDREN COME TO ME
“Oh, sing to the Lord
a new song!” (Psalm 98:1 NKJV)
Sunday morning began as usual. Everyone wore their Sunday
best, hair brushed and shoes that passed for somewhat presentable. We stood
together and opened our hymnals. Then it happened.
The musical void between my husband and me filled with precious
sound. Only this Sunday it was not “Mommy, can I go to the bathroom?” or
“Mommy, can I get a drink?” Chiming in,
my ten-year old joined us in glorious worship of our Lord Jesus for the first
time. Not too many Sundays later, my nine-year old added her own little voice
to our family row.
What had made the
difference?
My attitude, for one. Not able to carry a tune myself, I never
really thought about how to encourage my own children musically until I heard
my daughter’s friend singing out as if her life depended on it when visiting with
us one Sunday. I wanted my children to want to sing like this child.
A light bulb went off. Her mother played Christian music in
their car and sang with them. I heard her mention it once. I dug out a
Christian music CD from the kid’s summer camp and played it on the way to
school. With the catchy tunes soon everyone was chiming in, singing praises to
our Lord and Savior in whatever octave they could manage. We continue that
tradition even today. What a way to start the morning! I am blessed as much as
the children.
Why do we sing?
The Bible tells us so:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice!”
(Philippians 4:4 NKJV)
“Come before His presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2c NKJV)
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to
the Rock of our salvation.” (Psalms 91:1 NKJV)
How can you encourage
your children to sing?
Play Christian
music in the house, in the car, anywhere you go.
Teach your
children to appreciate music by having them at least try a musical instrument
(not every child sticks with it but you don’t know until you try) or have them
sing in the church or school choir. The child will at least get some background
in reading music and understanding the symbols. “Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm,
with trumpets and the sound of a horn.” (Psalm 98:5-6a NKJV)
Sing with them.
Your sounds are sweet to Jesus, even if you don’t think so.
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in
song, rejoice, and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:4 NKJV)
I love to sing worship music with my kids in the car (and at church too). It's the best way to start the day!
Posted by: Heather@mommymonk | January 19, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I am most certainly one of the joyful "noise" makers but that doesn't matter to God. Bravo to you for teaching your children to praise God through song!
Blessings,
Miss Sandy
Posted by: Miss Sandy | January 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM