Voice: Li Huan
Today is Wednesday, 22nd of July. Take a moment to be still in His presence.
Psalm 30
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.8 To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever. Amen.
1 Samuel 16:14-23
14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
More Than Just a Song 🎶
Isn’t a piece of music just… music?
And does it really matter who is playing it?
From the account in 1 Samuel 16, the answer appears to be: yes, it does matter.
When the young David was first introduced to King Saul’s court, he was not yet known for slaying giants. He was known for his music. He was described as “skilful in playing,” “a man of good presence,” and, most importantly, “the LORD is with him” (v.18).
Whenever David played the lyre, something happened. Saul, who was being tormented by a harmful spirit, experienced relief:
“Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.”
— 1 Samuel 16:23
David’s music was more than a pleasing sound. God used it as an instrument of comfort and refreshment.
This reminds us not to underestimate either the power of music or the character of the person who offers it. Music can calm or disturb, encourage or discourage, depending on its message, purpose and spirit. In the hands of someone who is gifted, humble and walking with the Lord, music can become ministry.
The Church has been richly blessed with centuries of sacred music from many cultures—psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, all written to lift hearts towards God. Many congregations are also blessed with musicians who, like David, are skilful in their craft and seek to serve in the presence of the Lord.
We should therefore not treat the “music time” in a worship service as optional or secondary. It is not merely a warm-up before the sermon. Nor is it the part of the service for which we may casually arrive late. Instead, will you be present, punctual, and fully engaged in this “ministry of David”?
And when you feel spiritually low, emotionally burdened or simply out of sorts, consider the place of good, God-honouring music in your life. Is there a modern-day “David” whose music has often brought you comfort? Is there a hymn, psalm or worship song through which God has repeatedly reminded you of His faithfulness?
Let the Lord minister to you through this gift.
Let music be more than sound. Let it refresh you, steady your heart and draw you again into the presence of God. 🎶
We pray :
Lord, thank You for the gift of music and for those whom You have called to offer it in worship. Bless our musicians with skill, humility and hearts that seek Your presence above all else. Teach us not to be passive observers, but attentive worshippers who come ready to sing, listen and respond to You.
When we are weary, troubled or discouraged, use psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to refresh our spirits and remind us of Your truth. Let the music of Your Church draw us closer to Christ, strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with praise.
May every note offered in Your house bring glory to Your name and minister grace to Your people.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be blessed by this: More than a Song, by David Forlu.
I have more than a song
Today, I brought myself
I am the sacrifice
I have more than a song
Today, hey, I brought myself
I am Your worship
Lord receive
This living sacrifice
I am Yours
Accept this living sacrifice
I am Your worship
Link to today’s Morning Office
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at terrywong@anglican.org.sg
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