Dangerous Business

In a story out of Iran, a woman who is not normally able to worship aloud said “what a privilege it was” when she had an opportunity to worship Jesus at the top of her voice.  In Iran, even singing to God can be dangerous business.

When I was at college, a missions group sponsored a “persecution night.”  We gathered to pray for the persecuted and worship together.  After I arrived, however, I was surprised at what I found.  The windowless classroom had little light.  We were told to sing in a whisper, as many persecuted believers must do.  Being used to singing however loud I want to, the meeting jolted me.  How often do we take our freedom to sing without fear for granted? 

Pray for those who risk their lives to worship Jesus.

“But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning. For You have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.” – Psalm 59:16

“. . . my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I . . . meditate on you in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” –Psalm 63:5-8