Christianity Oasis Forum

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April 20 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32

The Singing Revolution


READ PSALM 42:1–5
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Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed
within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise
him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5
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What does it take to ignite a revolution? Guns? Bombs? Guerrilla warfare? In late-1980s Estonia, it took songs. After the people had lived under the burden of Soviet occupation for decades, a movement began with the singing of a series of patriotic songs. These songs birthed the “Singing Revolution,” which played a key role in restoring Estonian independence in 1991.

“This was a non-violent revolution that overthrew a very violent occupation,” says a website describing the movement. “But singing had always been a major unifying force for Estonians while they endured fifty years of Soviet rule.”

Music can also play a significant part in helping us through our own hard times. I wonder if that’s why we so readily identify with the psalms. It was in a dark night of the soul that the psalmist sang, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5). It was in a season of deep disillusionment that Asaph, the worship leader, reminded himself, “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart” (73:1).

In our own challenging times, may we join the psalmists with a singing revolution for our hearts. Such a revolution overwhelms the personal tyranny of despair and confusion with faith-fueled confidence in God’s great love and faithfulness.

By Bill Crowder
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**REFLECT & PRAY
Father, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and
Your faithfulness is great. Empower me to sing the song of Your
great love—even when I must sing it through my tears.

How do you respond when life is overwhelming? What songs bring you the most comfort and why?