DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
GOT SONG?! | Day 28 of 40 (LENT)

Everybody’s got a song…

Meaning when we hear the first bars of music, we think (or say out loud with fervent exuberance), “That’s my song!”

Lately, for me, it’s been Micah Stampley’s “Heaven on Earth“.

Followed closely by Chris Tomlin’s “Our God“.

You play either one of those songs, and you will get an all out Lett concert – choreography and all. By the time either bridge rolls around, I can visualize the heavens opening and entourages of angels singing and dancing with me. Sometimes, I imagine they have on combat boots and when they stomp in the heavenlies to the music, things on earth shift. I have no idea what my neighbors must think when they see me stomping to the post office in the morning. Hey, why should the angels stomp without me?!

Needless to say, music is powerful.
That’s why it’s included whenever God’s people have a praise party for Him.

Yesterday, we saw Nehemiah and the nation of Judah dedicate the wall of Jerusalem with so much joy that they are heard from afar. Do we remember what was going on with the music?

Day 28:
Read below: NEHEMIAH 12: 27-28, 40-43
Entire Chapter: Nehemiah 12:27-47

27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 28 The musicians also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem… 40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests… 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

Singing is integral in the celebration. The Levites are summoned. Our equivalent would be those who make a living singing and ministering to the Lord. The Levites are the professionals. They are skilled and have extensive training. When the Levites show up, there is going to be some serious singing going on! Bring it Pavarotti! Sing Aretha!

Not only did the Levites bring the heavy, but Nehemiah also enlisted two choirs to give thanks, while walking on the wall that they were dedicating. They led the people in rejoicing with great joy, so much so, that they’re heard from far away. Can we imagine what that must’ve been like? Come on, Mississippi Mass Choir!

Got a song?
Perhaps one of thanksgiving?
Go ahead, imagine that you’re a professional or part of a mass choir.
Feel free to let loose.

Music is a beautiful gift of expression we’ve been given, and I believe it blesses God as much as it blesses us. Why else would there be a whole songbook in the Bible (The Psalms)?

Don’t hold back.
Go head, let’s sing our songs.
With full technicolor videos popping off.
Let’s give the angels some competition today. Why should they have all the fun?!

Go forth,
Naima

Our weekends through LENT are times of reflection and thanksgiving. Traditionally, during Lent, SUNDAYS are considered mini-celebrations (symbolizing Christ’s resurrection) following FRIDAYS’ special times of fasting (symbolizing His death). Thus, LENT starts on Ash Wednesday and goes for 46 days ending Easter, but the 6 Sundays are excluded, equaling 40 days. We make a sacrifice of something meaningful for the entire 40 days, but Sundays are excluded. So, Saturday, you’ll get a devotional that you can meditate on for the entire weekend. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks.

DAILY PRAYER (LENT):
1) Confession & Repentance – Let’s confess our wrongs and ask forgiveness
2) Complete transparency – Let our guard down and talk to God about our lives.
3) Listen – Let’s quiet and listen to God’s Spirit re: the scriptures, etc.
4) Intercession for others – Let’s pray for our family, friends, coworkers, church, etc.