Psalm 119:130

“The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple”

DAILY READING- Romans 6; 1 Samuel 15; Psalm 60

One of the most famous pieces of music ever written  is Handel’s Messiah. For classical music lovers, every Christmas the performance of Messiah is an annual tradition all over the world.  Handel who composed this famous piece of music, was a German born in Halle in 1685. He became a successful  music composer, who composed many popular sacred and opera  music. But at 52 years, Handel suffered from a stroke which incapacitated him, making it impossible for him to perform. The stroke paralyzed his right arm so that he could only play the spinet or keyboard, or conduct,. He also suffered from blurred vision. At this same time, he was also faced with a lot of financial problems. Sick, depressed and in debt, Handel almost gave up on life. But somehow, trusting in God he continued to push forward.

Shortly after these calamities in his life, he came across a piece of music, composed entirely of Scripture portions.   Handel was deeply affected when he read this.  It was drawn from the prophecies about the coming messiah, the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection of Christ. Handel was inspired to compose music, based on this. Thus he began to compose what will probably become the most famous of all Christian musical works. In a surprisingly short period of time the music was composed. And when he came to composing the Hallelujah chorus of the song,  he broke down in tears overwhelmed by Divine Presence. According to him ‘I did think I saw heaven open, and saw the very face of God”.

When the music was first performed during the Easter season in April 1742, it virtually became an overnight sensation. King George of England who came to one of the performances, on hearing the Hallelujah chorus abruptly stood up, in Reverence, recognizing that Christ is the King of Kings. It was normal protocol that if the King stood at any time, the entire audience would also stand up. And from that day it became a tradition even till today, that anytime the Hallelujah chorus is sang , everyone in the audience, stood in reverence to Christ. Handel could never have anticipated that this work would become perhaps the most performed piece of classical music in all of history, all to the glory of Christ.

But then, what if Handel had given up, when he was beset by sickness and troubles? What could have been his darkest night, God  turned around to become the brightest day of his life. This is why you must never give up, no matter how dark the situation.   Where you are now is not your end, it is only a bend in the road. So don’t despair, no matter what it may look like, God is at work. He will give you a testimony and you will have cause to Glorify His Holy name. Though it may sometimes look as if nothing is happening, trust that God is indeed up to something. Your day is coming. It doesn’t matter how difficult things may appear now, your sun will still come up tomorrow, and things will surely get better. In the dark night of the soul, God will give you a song that will bring a dawn of faith and encouragement. With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. Your strength will be renewed like the eagles’ and you will rise and soar to the height God has ordained for you.

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to keep my life covered by your light so that there will be no hiding place for discouragement in my life  in Jesus Name.

quote

Illuminate your world, for you are a star destined to shine- – WORDBITE 222.

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT ]