Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 5:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, Verse 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Verse 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, Verse 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, Verse 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotion
“Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves“
Music is a gift from God, and it can be a profound avenue for praise, thanksgiving, and otherwise connecting with God. Songs can also help us express lament or desire for justice. There truly is no limit to the power of music; its significance spans the centuries from before biblical times until now. The writer of Ephesians joins the writer of Proverbs in seeing the appreciation of music as part of living according the God’s wisdom. By such wisdom we do well to always keep a melody of praise with us, whether it be singing during morning devotions or reciting silently in our hearts during the day. Music shapes and forms us, and making it a consistent part of our faith life can help keep us in tune with God’s will.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for your gift of music. Help us to sing songs of thanksgiving to you at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.