Our Eternal Song

The news was devastating. It was 1907, and the six-year-old daughter of composer-conductor Gustav Mahler contracted scarlet fever and died.

Later that year, Mahler himself was diagnosed with a fatal heart condition that would kill him in just a few years. Grappling with grief and uncertainty, he found solace in a series of Chinese poems, which he set to music in a work known (in English) as “The Song of the Earth.”

One song celebrated escape through alcohol. Another dealt with resignation with words describing a walk in field “forever.” But, sadly, Mahler’s “forever” was not describing an eternity spent with God, but simply death.

Many people have these kinds of attitudes toward the meaning of life. Some are devoted to short-term pleasures, while others are aimless, with little purpose. Many struggle with problems, while others have a sense of futility and hopelessness.

But God’s people can rejoice in all things, for we have an eternal hope. We have been redeemed! We can sing about Jesus and His finished work.

In Heaven, we see these songs sung by angels and people from every era of history. These are songs of praise and worship, as they sing. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” They sing because He sits on the throne and will reign forever. They joyously recognize that He deserves all blessing, honor, and glory.

In your life, don’t feel discouraged or hopeless. Rather, rejoice in God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Sing His praises!