Break Out in Song!

The journey was not over; in fact, it had just started, but they sang a song of celebration

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, “I will sing to the LORD for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1)

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:20)

May I tell you a secret? Singing has helped get me through deployment. It is true. I love to sing. I am one of those people who need to carry a sign that reads: Caution! Will Break Out in Song!

However, I did not sing during the early months of my husband’s first deployment. I did not even sing sad songs. Then, one day, while reading Psalm 59, my eyes fell on these words:

But I will sing of your strength;

      I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.

For you have been to me a fortress

        and a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, I will sing praises to you.

        for you, O God, are my fortress,

        the God who shows me steadfast love.

(Psalm 59:16–17)

That same day, after reading this psalm, I contacted a friend who also enjoyed singing. I suggested we get together and sing! We pulled a couple of other deployed spouses in with us. Before that deployment was over, our little group sang in chapel and at a couple of formal military events. Singing became a type of celebration for what God had done, what he was doing, and what he was going to do in our lives. Personally, singing helped me keep my focus on God and gave voice to my faith and hope.

The songs of Moses and Miriam gave voice to the faith of the Israelites. They celebrated the end of their captivity, but they also celebrated the hope of what was to come.1 I smile when I read of Miriam teaching the song of praise to all the women. The journey was not over; in fact, it had just started, but they sang a song of celebration.

The journey was not over; in fact, it had just started, but they sang a song of celebration

Sister, do not miss the importance of celebration. Celebrate every victory. Build celebration into your schedule. You made it through the first day of deployment—celebrate! You made it through the first month of deployment—celebrate! You ate one piece of chocolate cake instead of the whole cake—celebrate!

Oh, there will be a celebration when your husband gets off the plane, but until then, sing in the face of fear and declare hope and trust for the future.

So sing, sister, sing! Sing in the shower. Sing in your car. Sing and be reminded that God is your fortress, is your refuge, and daily shows you his steadfast love!

Respond

Listen to a song that uplifts you and whether you can carry a tune or not, sing along!

Prayer for the Journey

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord” (Psalm 104:33–34). Amen.