I remember thinking, I want to be like her.
As a twelve-year-old girl, the beauty radiating from the woman behind me mesmerized me. With hands held high and a joyful smile on her face, she swayed back and forth in a dance-like motion. I knew staring wasn't polite, but I couldn't take my eyes off her. Curiosity made me wonder what it was that led her to rejoice. Never in my life had I witnessed someone praise the Lord so passionately in church. She was joyful, unbound, wild, and free.
Twenty-five years have passed since I watched that woman, but I still remember it as if it were yesterday. Even now, my flesh begs me to wonder what brought about her praise. The truth is I will never know—this side of heaven—what the story was behind the woman's vibrant display of worship. It could have been anything.
Not knowing the reason behind the woman’s praise reminds me I don’t have to be circumstantially motivated to praise the Lord. Circumstances can change quickly—from pleasant to painful in a matter of minutes. Praising the Lord when things seem bleak is difficult. Praising Him when things are good is easier.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. This verse encourages us not only to praise the Lord in the good times but also to praise Him all the time.
Despite what may be going on in our lives, one thing is sure: God doesn’t change. We can count on Him to be merciful, good, kind, gracious, and loving. These truths alone are motivation enough for His praise to forever be on our lips.
Praise the Lord every day. You have a reason.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Kelly Basham is passionate about pointing others to the nourishing truth and wisdom found in God’s Word. Kelly lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Brandon and their two college-age children. When she isn’t writing, you’ll probably find her working on a new arts and crafts project, hunting for vintage accessories, or planning her family’s next visit to the mountains. Read more from Kelly on her blog, Blossom in Faith. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
I dreamed I was in heaven, and it was a most dreadful day.
God’s mercy had come to an end. He changed His mind regarding the sins I had committed against Him. His anger flared, and His patience wore thin. He reconsidered and decided that He should have punished me instead of pardoning me.
After years of indescribable bliss in heaven, God remembered all the bad I had done and how I had once treated Him when I lived on earth. He decided I had had enough joy. It was time for me to be punished with the rest. After all, He punished the rebellious angels and cast them out of heaven—and they were once perfect. My heart sank with great dread.
Then I remembered His mercy endures forever, and His forgiveness starts and ends with His cross. He doesn’t change. I remembered He is eternal. The payment for my sins was forever. God will never change His mind. He told me my sins are removed as far as the east is from the west.
God will never cast us away. His mercy lasts forever, because He punished His Son in our place. God’s justice has been satisfied forever.
Once you’ve been accepted by God, don’t fear that His mercy will end.
(Photo courtesy of Martin Wiles.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Rich Vega lives in the California mountains with his wife, where they have raised five kids. He enjoys a competitive game of racquetball and ponders many things. He hopes through his writings that the Lord will encourage His sheep, that He will convict those coming from another fold who will become His sheep, and that the rest will see there is a God in heaven who will receive all the glory.
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