5 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 69:30 (NLT): “Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Life can get tough. Sometimes, it can seem as if it will swallow you alive.
Financial burdens. Stresses at work. Relationship problems in the family. Church discord. On and on this list could go.
If we aren’t careful, we will settle into discouragement. If left unresolved, it could escalate to something worse.
So, how do we work to lift our mood? If we are waiting on our feelings to lead the way, we will almost certainly never feel like doing it. We’ve got to defeat the problem in our minds and let our emotions follow behind.
Our verse for today gives us exactly the kind of actions that will lift our mood.
Psalm 69:30 (NLT): “Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.”
“I will” – It’s an act of the will. You don’t wait until you feel like doing the right thing. Instead, you simply chose to do what is best. Often, the feelings will follow.
“praise God’s name” – That means that you are reflecting on His character and speaking of how wonderful He is.
“with singing” – God has made us musical creatures. We generally love music. Our culture has been blessed with so many songs of praise – so pick one and sing it. And sing it from your heart.
“honor Him” – That means that you are acknowledging how wonderful He is and responding accordingly. Now, let’s be clear, God is already highly exalted. But, too often, He is not honored in our minds. We don’t acknowledge His greatness. So, we need to recognize it and celebrate Him.
“with thanksgiving” – Just Google the relationship between a grateful heart and a happy heart. Studies show that these two go hand in hand. You want to be happy? Learn to be thankful.
When God’s followers are moping around with an upside-down smile, He doesn’t seem all that glorious to a watching world. We serve an amazing God, so everything about us needs to reflect that. But, we don’t want fake, plastered smiles either. Praise the Lord and honor Him with a grateful heart, and the smiles will naturally follow.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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