How could those exiles not sing about Jerusalem? How can I not do likewise? Jerusalem, my happy home! Jerusalem, my destiny! This valley of tears is surely an exile from our true home, for here we have no enduring city but seek the one that is to come (Heb 13:14). We have a building from God, St. Paul tells us, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands (2 Cor 5:1). And that, for me, is ample cause for great and constant rejoicing.
Yes, life is often hard, and the night is long. It is good to remember what Oswald Chambers reminds us, that the song bird is taught to sing in the dark. I, too, am a song bird, and God teaches me to sing in the night I spend on this earth. Each passing moment brings me closer to the break of day, to the Radiant Dawn from on High. I may weep and mourn, I may groan under my burden, longing to be clothed with my heavenly dwelling, but I know the one in whom I've placed my trust (2 Tim 1:12). He alone is my strength and my song, my praise and my salvation (Ps 118:14). He calls me unto Himself, as He calls each one of us, and, thankfully, we do not walk alone for "the journey makes us one" (Jerusalem My Destiny, Rory Cooney).
And so, I will sing. Yes, I can and I will! My voice may tremble and my pitch be flat, I may forget the melody and stumble over the words, but I will sing praise to my God while I live (Ps 146:2). Never ever will I hang up my harp or refuse to sing!
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.
What Wondrous Love Is This? (American Folk Song)
