Meditation

Read Psalm 96:1-3

No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.—Mark 2:22 (NIV)

I have been playing the guitar for more than 50 years. I especially enjoy playing alone on a Sunday afternoon. It is almost like praying with my fingers. But every three months or so, no matter how much I tune them, the strings begin to sound tired and flat. Then I must do one of my least favorites tasks: change the guitar strings. I slowly unwind and throw away the old strings. I painstakingly tighten the new ones to their proper tension, adjusting them until they are properly tuned. It’s a lot of trouble, but with new strings even the plainest melody rings with beauty.

I have discovered that sometimes God works in me the same way. When my life has gotten out of tune, God sits me down and starts changing my strings. God unwinds my attitudes and goals that have a selfish sharp sound and gently leads me to repentance. Next, God puts on the new strings, tightening them until the grace notes of Jesus Christ can be heard again in my heart. When the Great Musician sits down to play the beautiful melodies of life in me again—oh, what joy.

Prayer: Father God, forgive us when our decisions do not follow your will. Tune our hearts to sing the songs of heaven today. Amen.

Thought for the day: Today I will sing a new song to the Lord.

Peter Caligiuri, Florida