A New Song (Psalm 40:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:3

As I've written many times, one of my favorite ways to worship and praise the Lord is through song. Old hymns. Contemporary praise. Scripture put to music. My heart seems somehow closer to Him when I sing.

Sometimes, I'll read a verse, and a melody will flow. It truly is "a new song in my mouth ..." I feel such peace and joy in music that I just can't feel blue or stressed when I'm singing praises to the Lord.

There are times, though, when I get caught up in "life" and the song begins to dim, and for me, at least, my faith dims ... just the tiniest bit.

And so I crank up my favorite playlist, and whether it's the smooth harmony of the Gaither Vocal Band (who happens to be singing an a cappella version of "Gentle Shepherd" as I'm writing) or an upbeat MercyMe tune or the profound words of Chris Tomlin, I'm drawn closer to my Lord.

The renewed joy I feel permeates my heart and soul ... and it shows.

I think that's what the psalmist meant when he wrote, " Many will see it and fear/And will trust in the Lord." Music is a barrier-breaker, a bridge-crosser. It speaks an international language. When we're full of music that honors and glorifies God, people can see our joy, and they might just find themselves attracted to the music ... and to the One who gives the music to us.

So sing a new song—or an old favorite—in praise to our Lord. Your heart will be full, and you may just touch someone else's life too!

Sing and Play! (Psalm 33:1-5)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 33:1-5

Not long ago, I wrote how I love to worship the Lord in song. Praising Him with the words of ancient hymns. Lifting my hands with contemporary melodies.

There’s nothing quite like it. I guess that’s why I love the psalms so much. So many of them were written as songs of praise.

And it’s not just singing.

In fact, Psalm 33 invites its readers to “praise [Him] with the harp”; “[m]ake melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings”; and, “[p]lay skillfully.”  

I don’t play an instrument—at least not well—and I admire gifted men and women who do. I’m blessed to attend a church that has a small orchestra, and when I listen to one of our amazing pianists or our organist or our flutist, my heart rejoices in their music.

Fortunately for me, the psalm also invites us to “[s]ing to Him a new song.” Now that I can do.

And I do. Won’t you join me?

Songs of Praise (Psalm 32:6-7)

Today's scripture: Psalm 32:6-7

I love to worship God through song. It's one of my very favorite things to do. I especially love praise songs based on scripture. I not only get to sing to the Lord, but I also get to memorize His word!

In fact, often, I find a praise song that speaks to my heart, and then later, I learn it comes directly from the Bible. I love that!

A long while ago, I fell in love with a simple praise chorus:

You are my hiding place. You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. I will trust in You. Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord.

It's a simple song, but full of such truth. And its words come from today's scripture.

Our God invites us to climb up on His lap and find refuge in His arms. When we are afraid or uncertain, we can hide in Him. We can trust Him to fulfill His perfect will in and through us.

We are weak; He is strong. We are lost; He shines His light. We're in trouble; He preserves us.

We can trust Him because He is fully and completely worthy of our trust.

Lift Up Your Head and Seek His Face! (Psalm 24:7-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 24:7-10

We serve an amazing God ... an amazing God. He is gracious, merciful, loving, and righteous. He is holy and just.

Even more, He loves us more than we can imagine. He blesses us, often in very unexpected ways.

What can we give Him in return?

We can give Him praise. We can give Him glory. We can worship Him and love Him—heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We can, as today's scripture says, lift up our heads and seek His face.

I often say that it is most humbling to know the God of the universe wants to be in relationship with me, with you. He wants to hear our voices. He wants to speak to us in return. He, the King of glory, invites us into His presence to commune with Him.

Doesn't that thought just amaze you? I pray it does. I also pray you'll take some time this day to go to the King of glory, lift up your head, and offer Him praise and worship.

He truly deserves nothing less.

Exalt the Lord! (Psalm 21:13)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 21:13

The Lord God, Creator, King of kings, Lord of Lords.

The Almighty One.

Savior. Redeemer.

Omnipotent. Omniscient.

All-loving. All-good. All-kind.

Merciful. Gracious.

Righteous. Just.

Our God. Our Abba.

He alone deserves all glory, honor, worship, and praise.

He alone deserves our devotion, our surrendered lives. Everything we are. Everything we have.

He alone should be exalted.

So, let us all together sing of Him and all He is.

Praise His name!

A Mighty Choir (Psalm 20:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 20:5

One of my favorite ways to praise and worship my Lord is through song. Sometimes the words of a favorite praise chorus or hymn say so much more than my own words ever could. And I love when songwriters put the scriptures to music, like old standards such as “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and newer songs like “Unchanging” by Chris Tomlin. Both take that wonderful verse from Lamentations 3:23 and put it to music.

Someday, all of God’s children will raise their voices as one to praise and worship our God—face-to-face. We will joyfully sing of His victory over the enemy and sin. We will lift our hands or fall to our knees in utter awe of His greatness.

Can you imagine it? Millions and millions of love-filled voices. And I believe that each of us will have heaven-touched vocal chords. This certainly isn’t found anywhere in scripture, but I like the idea that even those who were only able to “make a joyful shout” (Psalm 66:1) on earth will be endowed with perfect pitch and crystal clear tone. And why not? After all, we know there will be no pain in heaven (Revelation 21:4)!

So while we linger, let’s continue to praise and worship in song, knowing that this is just the rehearsal for a mighty choir!

Sing and Tell! (Psalm 9:11-12)

Today's scripture: Psalm 9:11-12

Two of my favorite things: singing praises to my Lord and declaring to others what He’s done in my life.

What a blessing to know when I do either, I’m obeying commandments! I’ve been equally blessed when I listen to others sing. And hearing how God has worked in others’ lives? I love it!

I love reading biographies and life stories of godly men and women who left a lasting legacy. I've been inspired time and time again by the lives of people like Corrie ten Boom, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Elisabeth Elliot, and Susanna Wesley. Their faith through struggles and suffering, highs and lows never fail to touch my heart and strengthen my own faith.

How often do you tell your own story? And how often do you really listen to how God has worked in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ?

If you want to be inspired or encouraged or convicted, listen to those stories. Read biographies of men and women of faith. Your faith will grow. And you will be blessed.

Then go out and tell your own story of how God has worked in your life.

You'll be blessed as He blesses others through you.

Join the Chorus! (Psalm 8:6-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 8:6-9

The psalmist continues his praise of God’s amazing love for His children. Everything in this world, everything we see, touch, hear, was created to please Him and delight us.

He gave humankind “dominion over” everything. We are more important to God than any animal, bird, or fish. We are the only of His creation made in His very image. He is our Father. Our Abba. Our Daddy. And like any loving Father, He made a wonderful environment for us to live in.

All for us.

So we can join in a heartfelt chorus: “O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” Because, as amazing and wonderful this earth is, nothing is more amazing or wonderful than our Creator God. And we can speak His name with awe and joy and praise.

For His name is excellent, wonderful, worthy of praise. And worship. And honor. And glory.

Join in the chorus!

An Infant's Chorus (Psalm 8:2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 8:2

I often like to read different translations or paraphrases of a certain verse, and today’s verse speaks to me much more in The Message paraphrase:

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you;
toddlers shout the songs
that drown out enemy talk,
and silence atheist babble.

Don’t you love it? I truly believe there is nothing more beautiful than the giggle of a precious infant. Or the off-key “Jesus wuvs me” sung by an adorable two year old.

And those sounds, those heart-lifting sounds, “drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.” Why? Because every time a baby is born, the intricacy and complexity of God’s creation is demonstrated once again. Tiny fingers. Tiny toes. Heart. Lungs. Eyes. A God-designed complete human being.

A miracle.

Non-believers can say what they will, but seriously, every infant, every toddler proclaims the existence of God. A loving, amazing God.

Praise You, Lord! (Psalm 7:17)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 7:17

I’ll be the first to admit that Psalm 7 wasn’t the easiest to get through, but I absolutely LOVE how it concludes!

As I’ve mentioned many times, one of my favorite ways to worship is through music. The scriptures give us so many words and phrases to do exactly that.

I can sing of His great mercy and faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23). I can praise His amazing grace (Eph. 2:8). I can worship His majesty (1 Chr. 29:11).

He is indeed great and greatly to be praised (1 Chr. 16:25).

So today, “I will praise you, Lord! You always do right. I will sing about you, the Lord Most High” (CEV). 

Give Ear to My Word (Psalm 5:1-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 5:1-3

Growing up in church, I learned many of the old standards, such as "How Great Thou Art" and "It Is Well With My Soul." I also learned many (at least at the time) contemporary praise songs. Praise songs were a bit different "in the day" from what they are today. They were more hymn-like, and most seemed to come directly from scripture.

One that I loved was pulled from today's verses:

Give ear to my word, O Lord. Consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, My King and my God. For unto Thee will I pray. Thy voice shall I hear in the morning. Oh, Lord, in the morning,
Will I direct my prayer Unto Thee and will look up. (KJV)

Putting God's word to music is a wonderful way to memorize its truths ... and these verses certainly hold much truth.

God will always "give ear" and listen to my prayers ... and my cries. When I listen, He will speak to me. When crises hit, I can look up to Him, knowing He's there, just waiting for me to crawl on His lap.

There's one last truth that touches my heart:

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;In the morning I will direct it to You ...

In the morning ... in the morning.

I need to start each day, just talking with my Father God. Starting the day with Him is the best way to keep my mind and heart on Him.

O Lord, this morning, I direct my voice to You, knowing that You're listening.

Joy in Song (Isaiah 49:13)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 49:13

I’ve written this before, but one of my favorite ways of praising and glorifying God is through song. There is something that just touches my heart in a way that few other things can.

I really love singing the scriptures. We often think of such songs coming from psalms, and indeed they do, but so many other words of praise could be set to music. And although I’m no composer, I sometimes find myself putting verses I read to a random tune … and those words become a song of praise.

Words like those in today’s verse. I start out loud and boisterous: “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains.”

Then the meter slows. Forte quiets to pianissimo … “For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted.”

If you’re a musician—and even if you’re not—try composing your own songs of praise. And you will find joy!

Shout Joyfully! (Psalm 95:1-3)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 95:1-3

Joy comes from many places. A beautiful sunset. A baby’s giggle. A hug from a friend. An unexpected act of service from a spouse.

But the greatest joy—for me at least—comes from praising God for all He has done.

I am blessed beyond my human comprehension. I have a home, enough to eat, clothes to wear. I have a supportive husband, a loving family, and caring friends.

Most of all, I am the daughter of a loving, gracious, merciful God. My life isn’t perfect, but even in the deepest valleys, I know that He is with me. He loves me unconditionally. He gives me strength when I have none of my own.

And so I can “sing to the Lord!” I can “shout joyfully to the Rock of [my] salvation.” I can “come before His presence with thanksgiving.” I can “shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”

For, indeed, “the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods.”

Reflect on the many splashes of joy in your life. And sing and shout with joy and thanksgiving to the One who blesses you abundantly.

Worshipful Joy (Psalm 66:1-3)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 66:1-3

I’ve written this before, but one of my greatest joys is worshiping the Lord in song. There’s something about music that touches my soul.

That’s one of the things I love most about the psalms. So many of them are love songs to the Lord. Readers are invited to:

Make a joyful shout to God …
Sing out the honor of His name …
Make His praise glorious …

We can sing of His grace, love and, mercy. We can tell of His “awesome works.”

And hymns and contemporary praise songs remind us of His love for us. Hymns like “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is well with My Soul” speak of His faithfulness and care. Favorite songs can touch our hearts with words of hope and peace.

So even if you can’t carry a tune, make a “joyful shout” or, as the King James Version says, a “joyful noise” and praise the Lord in song!

Be Filled With the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 5:18-21

I have no problem with a glass of wine here and there—I don’t think there’s anything in the Bible that says it’s wrong—but God’s word is very clear about one thing: We’re not to get drunk. Instead, we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and His fruit: love, joy, patience, self-control and so on (Galatians 5:22-23).

And who needs to drink when we can praise God with songs and psalms? I love music. I love everything about it. I love harmonies and melodies. I love well-written, meaningful lyrics. I often feel closest to the Lord when I’m singing words of praise, and I feel joy when I’m “making melody with [my] heart to the Lord …” More joy than I feel at pretty much any other time.

When I sing words like “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art,” I am filled with … well, feelings I just can’t fully explain. Gratitude. Humility. Awe.

And I’m so thankful for what God has done in my life. His faithfulness. His grace and mercy. His love.

Yep. Who needs wine when we can life our voices with song?

Mighty in You (2 Corinthians 13:1-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

“Christ … is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.”

Our God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is all powerful and almighty (Genesis 17:1; Revelation 1:8). He is our stronghold (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 9:9; 62:2). And Jesus Christ, God the Son, is in each of us who has accepted the gift of salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection. He is indeed “mighty” in each of us.

And because He provides strength in us, although we are “weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward” each of us.

These are amazing, affirming, encouraging, and humbling words.

I certainly feel weak … most of the time. The many health issues with which I deal often make even getting out of bed a challenge. Yet, I still have to take care of the major priorities on my “to do” list. So I pray for extra strength … a lot. And my Lord God provides just what I need to do what needs to be done.

And so I “… sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress (Psalm 59:6).

For He is indeed power in me.

Words of Praise (Psalm 62:5-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 62:5-8

I don't know about you, but when I read verses like today's, I just feel the need to praise the Lord! He is so good and amazing and awe-inspiring, and these words just resonate with the wonder of Whom He is.

He only is my rock and my salvation ... He is the very foundation of my life. Without Him, I absolutely could not get out of bed each morning. He defends me from my enemies and gives me strength, so I shall not be moved.

He is my salvation and my glory. I am redeemed through the blood of God the Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one to Whom I can give honor, praise and worship.

I trust in Him at all times because He is faithful and fulfills all His promises. I never have to worry about His provisions or care.

I can pour out [my] heart before Him, confident that He will answer my prayers and listen to my cries. I can crawl on my Abba's lap and lay my head on His shoulder because He is my refuge.

Good and amazing and awe-inspiring. I can't help but praise Him!

Abandoned Praise (Psalm 111:1)

Today's scripture: Psalm 111:1

I write about this often, but I truly believe that one of the greatest privileges we have as followers of Christ is praising our Lord. He—the Sovereign Creator of all things—wants to hear our voices. When we lift our voices in abandoned praise, He is well-pleased.

We can praise Him at any time. As we rise in the morning. As we go through our days. As we lie down at night. Words of praise can and should fill our hearts—our whole hearts.

Praise Him for His grace, His mercy, and His love. Praise Him for His holiness, His justice, and His righteousness.

Praise Him for His attributes: He is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). He is our Provider (Genesis 22:14). He is our Healer (Exodus 15:26). He is the Lord of Peace (Judges 6:24).

Praise Him through struggles, knowing He’s working everything out for good (Romans 8:28). Praise Him for His blessings, knowing He’s taking care of you (1Peter 5:7).

Sing songs of praise. Memorize and recite psalms that lift His name in worship. Stand in the congregation of other believers and lift your hands in reverence.

He is worthy of our praises—our whole-heart praises.

Give Ear to My Words (Psalm 5:1-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 5:1-3

Growing up in church, I learned many of the old standards, such as "How Great Thou Art" and "It Is Well With My Soul." I also learned many (at the time) contemporary praise songs. Praise songs were a bit different "in the day" from what they are today. They were more hymn-like, and most seemed to come directly from scripture.

One that I loved was pulled from today's verses. Take a few minutes to listen to this song taken directly from the King James Version.

Putting God's word to music is a wonderful way to memorize its truths ... and these verses certainly hold much truth.

God will always "give ear" and listen to my prayers ... and my cries. When I listen, He will speak to me. When crises hit, I can look up to Him, knowing He's there, just waiting for me to crawl on His lap.

There's one last truth that touches my heart:
Putting God's word to music is a wonderful way to memorize its truths ... and these verses certainly hold much truth.

God will always "give ear" and listen to my prayers ... and my cries. When I listen, He will speak to me. When crises hit, I can look up to Him, knowing He's there, just waiting for me to crawl on His lap.

There's one last truth that touches my heart:

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You ...

In the morning ... in the morning.

I need to start each day, just talking with my Father God. Starting the day with Him is the best way to keep my mind and heart on Him.

O Lord, this morning, I direct my voice to You, knowing that You're listening.