Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. 21 And Miriam sang this song: “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.”—Exodus 15:20-21
I have read this passage many times but this morning was the first time that I wondered where these women got their tambourines? I mean they left Egypt in a big hurry in the middle of the night. They packed only the essentials…food, clothes, medicine, cooking utensils…and tambourines?? Tambourines were essential? That gave me pause. These women, who were not given enough time to even let their bread rise, packed their tambourines in the middle of a dark night filled with the sounds of the Egyptians mourning their first born. They had no idea what they were going to face on their journey, but they DID KNOW they would need a tambourine to worship the Lord. They looked forward through the darkness in faith and courage to a time and a place of joyful worship and song.
I loved that thought. What would I take along if I had to leave my home very quickly on a similar type journey? My bible would be the first item in my bag and my camera a close second. My camera is my song in the night. It is what I pick up in the midst of grief. It is through the lens of God’s creation that I am able to stay in the moment and praise Him. As I look through that lens I am assured once again that He reigns over all, that my hope is in Him and that even in this present darkness, He is with me. My pictures remind me that He gives me treasures of darkness in the hidden places. He lights my lamp. My God enlightens my darkness. His unfailing love never ceases. His gifts to me keep on coming.
Beloved…sing at midnight. God gives each of us a song in the night. He uses them to keep us til morning comes and the shadows flee away. Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.
You will be in good company…
Jesus…
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.—Matthew 26:37
Paul and Silas…
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,—Acts 16:25
David…
The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the God of my life.—Psalm 42:8
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.—Psalm 42:11
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me,"
Even the night shall be light about me;—Psalm 139:11
But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.—Psalm 71:14-16
