Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Ps. 33:3)
FANNY CROSBY, the famous blind hymn writer, wrote more than eight thousand hymns. She learned to memorize Scripture, the melodies of birds, and knowledge of the beautiful world through the love and care of her grandmother. Fanny said if she had the choice when she was born, she would have chosen to be born blind. When asked why, she replied, “Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!”
David, an accomplished harpist, wrote about other musical instruments in his psalms, and some believe he wrote Psalm 33. Making music for God’s glory brought him pleasure, so it makes sense that he would say, “Sing to him a new song” (Ps. 33:20).
Fanny wrote later in her life, “Blindness cannot keep the sunlight of hope from the trusting soul.” We cannot imagine what the loss of songs like “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross,” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” would mean to the church.
You and I may not be able to write beautiful hymns, but we can use the gifts and talents God gave us to reach as many as possible with His love. It’s something we must do, trusting God to work in us as He did with Fanny.
Take a moment to sing a new song to God, knowing it gladdens His heart.
Sue Tornai lives with her husband, John, and dog, Maggie, in Carmichael, California. They enjoy camping and fishing at Lake Almanor in Northern California
