Notes of Faith December 13, 2024
The Power of Praise
Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.
Luke 2:20, TLB
We awaken weary to face the pressures and problems, and we feel our spirits collapsing. What do we do? Try shouting the words of Psalm 106:1: “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” The simple act of making the decision to lift one’s voice aloud and tell the air around you that you are praising God—well, that will help. A shout of praise can turn the tide of our day.
That’s what the shepherds did, though they weren’t depressed when they did it. They were full of joy! They went back to their lowly assignments among the sheep, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen that night—the angels, the manger, the Christ Child.
Whatever your condition or disposition—praise the Lord right now!
One of the most wonderful things about God is that He lives in our praise. He inhabits the praises of His people...! When we worship Him, it’s not like worshiping some cold and distant deity. He’s a loving God who wants to be with us. And when we worship Him, He is.
Stormie Omartian
Ps 150
150 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
3 Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
All things are being worked out according to God’s plan. Yes, we still experience trials and tribulations in our lives, but God is using even those for His glory and our good! Let us give Him praise and revel in His compassion and grace, His very presence in our daily life. Know that He is, that He loves you and wants to have you with Him forever! Seek Him. Pursue Him, and you will find Him very near to you, waiting for you to call out to Him. Praise Him this day and every day!
Pastor Dale