This week’s devotion…
“New Song”
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. ’ –Psalm 40:3
If you were to ask me about the best concert I ever went to, I could answer you immediately.
U2. 1985. Joe Louis Arena. Detroit, Michigan. A night I’ll never forget.
At the end of the amazing concert, Bono sang a song called ’40′, based on Psalm 40. “I will sing, sing a new song…” By the end of the song every voice in the sold out arena was singing those words. The owners of the arena turned on the lights and blasted the radio over the PA to get us to stop singing. But we didn’t stop. I walked out holding hands with someone I didn’t even know, singing “How long to sing this song?” over and over again. It was a spiritual high like I’ve seldom experienced.
So now, fast forward 25 years. (Yikes, has it been that long?)
I have in my possession two tickets to see U2 in concert this June in Michigan. It’s an incredible gift from my wife, and we’re looking forward to experiencing it together.
However, seeing a band in concert two times, a quarter century apart, raises an interesting question: Will it feel the same, now that I’m 40?
Not very likely. For one thing, the music will be different. I mean, these guys have been busy over the last twenty five years. You want to talk about singing a new song? U2 has written all kinds of new songs since I was a teenager. They’ve released a bunch of albums–some that I’ve really liked and some that I flat out loved. It would be silly for them to just perform the same songs as from their first couple albums, wouldn’t it? No, I should expect to hear all kinds of new songs. I should expect a new experience.
And after all, I’ve changed, too. I’ve had all kinds of adventures over the years. Good times, Bad times. I’ve even written my share of new songs, too.–would you believe I’ve released three albums along with my wife? Who’d a thunk it?
As the Psalmist says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” God doesn’t want you or me stuck singing the same ole song over and over again. God wants to hear our new songs. God wants us to find new ways of expressing our faith.
God journeys with us. Protecting us. Guiding us. Inspiring us. With every twist or turn, the way we praise God is supposed to change.
How has your song changed over the last x-many years? Maybe your song is deeper with the wisdom of years. Or more complicated…or more simple. Maybe your song raises questions you never had before, or maybe you’ve discovered aspects of God you never knew existed? What’s the New Song God longs to hear from your heart?
Don’t let the next year — or 25 years — go by expecting to be living according to the same set list. We’re meant for more than that.
Be open to new experiences. Different spiritual highs. Open up, and let God fill you with something new.
Remember…
You, too, can sing a New Song.
Have a great week,
Mitch
