by Victoria Heinecke

Keeping the cover off of the keys.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:8 New International Version

This piano has spent its 55-year existence in our family. It first belonged to my husband’s parents, and my father-in-law would play it regularly. My husband also enjoyed playing it when we’d visit them. When we moved to Colorado, Mom and Dad gave it to us. Miraculously, the piano survived the 1,200 mile move in a van, and it has been in our living room ever since.

It doesn’t always look this neat. Sheet music is almost always open on the stand, and books and folders are scattered on the floor.

Our piano is always ready to play. However, it cannot make a song unless someone touches it, nor can it be played while the keys are covered.

O Holy Spirit, enter in,
And in our hearts Your work begin,
Your dwelling place now make us.
Sun of the soul, O Light divine,
Around and in us brightly shine,
To joy and gladness wake us!
(Lutheran Service Book hymn #913)

Our heart can be like the piano. When we’re receptive to God’s Word, our lives reflect the song he plays through us. His song is one of love and peace, and goodwill to one another. It’s the song of compassion that his son Jesus feels for us all.

During difficult times, we may prefer to pull the cover down on our keys, as if that will prevent God from making music through us, or we may keep our Bibles closed so we can’t hear his song. We can’t keep God out of our hearts forever; he can and will break down the walls we put up. Let not your hearts be troubled, God is sovereign!

“My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.“
Psalm 57:7 New International Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado