Seasons for Singing

“The leper in the day of his cleansing… shall be brought unto the priest: and the priest… shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field” (Leviticus 11:2-7).  “How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:4).  “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth… My son, be wise, and make My heart glad” (Proverbs 27:1,11).  “We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come” (Revelation 11:15-17). 

As lepers cleansed that day would bring

A bird released into the field,

It was a season then to sing,

Rejoicing that they had been healed.

That newfound joy should still be ringing

Which we received with our salvation 

To guard our hearts and keep us singing,

Though seasons change our situation.   

We are not blind to what is wrong;

This land is strange and filled with sorrow,

And yet today God gives a song 

That should not wait until tomorrow. 

How can we sing within these seasons

When sin and sorrow fill the land? 

We ought to contemplate the reasons;

The Lord will help us understand. 

The first of all the reasons is

That God has saved us by His grace! 

It is enough to know we’re His

To put a smile on our face! 

Though seasons change, our Lord does not;

His love for us is still the same. 

Our songs to Him embrace this thought

By which we praise our Savior’s name. 

When we are wise, we make Him glad,

So this should also move our hearts

To trust Him though the times are sad

And sing with joy that He imparts. 

We give You thanks, O Lord, our Savior,

As we consider who You are,

And what You did to grant us favor

Which brought us near who once were far. 

O Lord, the joy You give remains,

And yet You call us now to weep

For those yet bound in sorrow’s chains

In fields where we’re called to reap. 

Almighty God, forevermore

Around Your throne we shall rejoice

And sing with those who shall adore

And praise You with their grateful voice.  

We know, Lord, You will come again,

And every knee to You shall bow,  

Yet we’re not waiting until then;

We sing, rejoicing in You now!