A Morning Song

Read 1 Peter 5:1-11

Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too.

After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever. To him be all power over all things, forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter: 5:7-11 (TLB)

Years ago, Sam Whatley, from Alabama, worked at night. It was a hectic life. He took his two children to and from school and then to sports or afternoon activities. He seldom slept well. He was always grumpy and completely exhausted by the weekend. So Sam asked his family to please keep the house quiet until 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, hoping to get needed sleep.

Early one Saturday Sam awoke to the shrill voice of his four-year-old, Andrew, singing at full volume. Sam bounded from their bedroom, half-asleep and irritated. But as he came to Andrew's bedroom, his words pierced his soul. He sang, "Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, my God." He was sitting on the floor looking up at Sam, his hands full of plastic toys.

As Sam stood there, still recoiling from irritation, his attitude suddenly changed. Sam told him how beautiful his song was. He had revealed an important need in Sam's life that he had overlooked. In his haste to take care of his family's earthly needs, Sam had neglected to keep his heart filled with the peace, love, and joy that only God can give. In the many years since then Sam has been reminded of that lesson each time he thinks of his son's morning song.

Prayer: God, our Parent, as we try to meet the needs of our family, help us remember that our greatest need is staying close to you and showing your love to those around us, in Jesus' name. Amen.