June 12

I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You— — Ps 144:9 BSB

Ruskin said, “Many mighty harmonies have been played on instruments that were once silent or discordant.” This is encouraging to those who feel that their lives are far from perfect. Some may say, “I can never live a truly beautiful or harmonious life because sin has so marred my soul.” While that may be true, God can take the broken and discordant parts of our lives and restore them. As the psalmist says, “He restores my soul.” Under His touch, even the most damaged life can produce music that will move hearts and delight God and the angels.

Some of the most temperamental people can be transformed into the gentlest and most loving by the power of divine grace. Selfishness can be turned into unselfishness and charity. Even the most jangled and out-of-tune lives can be made right if we place them in God’s hands. The possibilities for beauty and goodness, even in the most flawed and imperfect souls, are endless. No one should ever despair if they are willing to accept God’s grace and allow His teaching and discipline to reshape them.