“When I think of the divine Being, my heart is so full of joy that the notes fly off as from a spindle, and as I have a cheerful heart, He will pardon me if I serve Him joyfully.”
Those words were written by the celebrated Austrian composer, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Haydn was a friend of Mozart and a teacher of Beethoven. He sometimes referred to as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet.”
A devout Catholic, he normally began the manuscript of each composition with “in nomine Domini” (“in the name of the Lord”) and ended with “Laus Deo” (“praise be to God”).
John Newton (1725-1807), pastor and composer of “Amazing Grace” was a contemporary. A prolific writer of hymn texts, his words were set to the music of many composers. One of his hymns, “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,” was set to a tune called “Austria,” by Haydn.
One of the lesser known stanzas of this hymn says, “Fading is the worldling’s pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasure, none but Zion’s children know.”
This morning, I just want to encourage you to think joyfully of our King and His eternal Kingdom. It is ok with Him if you serve Him joyfully.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (New Living Translation) – “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Question: What happens for you when you ponder the reality of God?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to be inspired by your insight.
