Shout for Joy!

Shout for Joy!
As you think about your “family tree” does someone come to mind that stands out as a colorful character? Any interesting family stories? Maybe it’s not spectacular but just interesting or meaningful to you.

Here’s another question: When you have received good news, with whom do you like to share it? What about that sharing activity brings joy to you and motivates you?

In Psalm 9 we read an expression of joy and excitement from the author, David, about who he knows God to be. In the first two verses he declares. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” Do you sense the energy and excitement in David’s statement?
You might find this remarkable if you reflect back on some of the negative experiences David encountered. Some of these were of his own making (like with Uriah and Bathsheba) and some were beyond his control (like the persecution he experienced from Saul). No matter the source, we can commend the positive, God-focused attitude with which David approaches life!

We can join David in his praise and worship of our God (verses 7-11): "The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done!"

Elsewhere in Psalm 47:1,2 we are encouraged to: "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome,  the great King over all the earth."
4832 Ponderings:
  • Worship can be with a group (like a church service), or individually. What can you learn from the above verses from Psalm 9?
  • Create your own songs of praise this week. Keep them simple, down to earth, and real. Share a title for one of your songs of praise this week, like: “I praise God that my car repair was not too expensive!”

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