In order to receive air play on most radio stations during the '50s and early '60s, songs were limited to three minutes or less.
Maurice Williams, who wrote and recorded the original version of "Little Darlin'" with the Gladiolas understood this. In October 1960 with his new group, the Zodiacs, Maurice hit No. 1 on Billboard's Pop Chart with "Stay." At one minute and thirty four seconds, "Stay" remains the shortest No. 1 hit in rock 'n' roll history. I wonder how long it took Maurice to write this classic hit?
Consider an even shorter song. Perhaps the Psalmist had too much on his plate on the day he penned what we know as Psalm 117. Placed in our Bible so closely to the epic, 176 verse Psalm 119, one might possibly pass by the tiny, two verse psalm. Don't pass by it. What it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality.
Like a laser, the Psalmist focuses upon two of God's best attributes, His great love and His great faithfulness.
Where would we be without God's love and faithfulness? Since "all have sinned" and since the "wages of sin is death," we would all perish without God's love and faithfulness.
"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8. In the cross of Christ was God's justice satisfied and His love demonstrated.
God continues to clothe the lilies and feed the birds. He continues to love and to care for us. The Psalmist reminds us to praise God for His great love and faithfulness. Praise Him. Praise Him in song. It can be a short song as long as it's heartfelt.
• Dr. Ken Haskins is the pastor of First Christian Church and a member of the Carson City Ministerial Association.