Isaiah 30:29 And you will sing
    as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;
your hearts will rejoice
    as when people playing pipes go up
to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the Rock of Israel.

This chapter is head-spinning in its contrasts. Isaiah describes the ferocity of the Lord’s retribution against His enemies, but then drops in things like this, describing the peace and joy of those who are true to Him. The description of His guidance, in verses 19-21, is probably the most famous part of this chapter, but the whole chapter is quite a combination of describing Israel’s sins, the inevitable consequences of those sins, and then the Lord’s grace and mercy in it all. This verse stands out to me because it is a description of the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7) that Paul talked about. It describes an inner life that is independent of outer circumstances. I keep coming back to it, but Jesus’ statement just before His arrest is of vital importance: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We experience all sorts of unpleasant things. Sometimes they are our own fault, and sometimes they have nothing to do with us, but when we are firmly grounded in Christ Jesus our Lord, we have peace and even joy in the middle of it all.

Having grown up in a very musical family, I particularly like the references to music in this verse. I never wear ear buds and I don’t subscribe to Spotify or anything of the sort, but I’ve got songs running through my heart and mind – and occasionally my mouth – a significant part of every day. This morning I got up to find a conversation on my computer initiated by my older daughter, who was writing about her participation in the Knoxville Choral Society, responded to by my younger daughter, who is the Minister of Music at her church. It runs in the family! As much as I love music, however, I can see clearly that music by itself is relatively neutral. The music in this verse is blessed and is a blessing because it is focused on drawing closer to God. I am to use music as an expression of who God is, drawing others, not to mention my own heart, closer to Him. And of course, the music in my heart is not to be dependent on my circumstances, but rather on the One to whom I sing.

Father, thank You for this. I had no idea where I was going when I started writing! Thank You for all You have brought me through, and for the “songs in the night” (Psalm 42:8, etc.) that have sustained me. Thank You for the privilege of sharing Your love and Your truth with others, in music and in every other way. May I be Your instrument to cause others to sing Your Song, that transcends all others, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!