The Faith I Live By

Singing on Life's Way, September 24

Preparing for the Heavenly Home

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15. FLB 273.1

As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and ... to promote harmony of action.... It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair, memory recalls some word of God's—the long-forgotten burden of a childhood song—and temptations lose their power.... Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and there will be fewer words of censure, and more of cheerfulness and hope and joy.^{124Education, 167, 168.} FLB 273.2

Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact.... Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance.^{125The Desire of Ages, 73.} FLB 273.3

With the voice of singing He welcomed the morning light. He listened to the lark caroling forth music to its God, and joined His voice with the voice of praise and thanksgiving.^{126SDA Bible Commentary 5:1117.} FLB 273.4

Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement.^{127The Ministry of Healing, 254.} FLB 273.5

The voice of thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing is heard in heaven. The voices of the angels in heaven unite with the voices of the children of God on earth as they ascribe honor and glory and praise to God and to the Lamb for the great salvation provided.^{128Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 246.} FLB 273.6

Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks.^{129Patriarchs and Prophets, 289.} FLB 273.7