Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. – Exodus 15:20 NLT
Can you imagine leaving your home never to return? On top of that, if you have to pack unexpectedly and, in a hurry, what would you pack? Depending on your stage in life, the essentials will be different, like if you have young children or if you were more advanced in age. However, would a tambourine be top of your list?
In the case of the women of Israel, they left Egypt in a hurry, and can you believe the majority of them included tambourines in their luggage?
Going back in this story in Exodus, we know how Moses had been demanding – at God’s command – that Pharaoh release the Israelites. But Pharaoh adamantly and stubbornly refused. Whether the Israelites had packed in preparation and in anticipation of their release is hard to say.
However, this is what the Bible says after the death of the firstborn sons in Egypt, “All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, ‘We will all die!’ The Israelites took their bread dough before yeast was added. They wrapped their kneading boards in their cloaks and carried them on their shoulders.” Exodus 12:33-34 (NLT)
Amidst all the chaos the ladies didn’t forget their tambourines!
For these women to cherish this instrument so much, it must have been important to them during the dark years of slavery. And when they got their final victory, they used their tambourines to celebrate God’s greatness to the fullest.
You might not have a tambourine or like me, you can’t play it well. But we need to have a heart of gratitude and praise, no matter what life throws at us (easy to say, right?).
“Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18 (AMPC)
Someone described the tambourine as a readymade instant praise party instrument. Do you have a tambourine? Maybe not, I don’t have one! However, our faith grows stronger as we constantly give thanks and show gratitude to God.
A thankful and a heart full of gratitude is the main Tambourine you need. Keep playing it to the LORD.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 