Listen

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive. Let my praise be pleasing to him; I’m rejoicing in the Lord! But let my whole being bless the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 104:33-34, 35b

Think

Singing sustains us throughout our lives. My eight-month-old son hasn’t formed his first word yet, but he continually sings a chorus of baby babble. Meanwhile, my grandmother in her late eighties doesn’t speak intelligibly much anymore, but occasionally she breaks into one of the hymns planted deep in her heart since she was a child. When she does, her eyes brighten, her strength renews, and her nursing center resounds with praise!

Somewhere between these ages, most of us give up singing, at least most of the time. We absorb the idea that songs have to be performances and leave them to the American Idols and the All-State choir honorees… but then we get in the car or in the shower and a song sneaks out!

Psalm 104 explains that we sing because that’s how God created us. Our praise throughout our lives brings joy to the Lord. This celebration has reasons. We give praise for what God has done. This psalm sings the wonders of creation. Others express God’s personal rescue. We remember, we reflect, and then… we sing!

Josh Hays

Question to Ponder:

What aspects of God’s good creation most inspire you to praise the Lord?

Pray

God, thank you for the beauty and wonder of your creation. Thank you for the personal ways that you have worked in my life. Specifically, thank you for…

Lord, grant me a song of celebration in my heart that will bring joy to yours.

Amen.

Go

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13