Belt It Out Joyfully

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19 NIV

Come on, sing for joy; for the Lord has done so much for us! I could probably stop writing now and just add a song and a prayer and be done for the day. But perhaps we should just brush off the top soil and explore this.

What makes us feel joy? For as many people as are reading this, there are that many different answers to be given. There are big events such as the birth of a baby, the marriage of children, the acceptance of Jesus into someone’s heart and a clean bill of health are all things that can bring us great joy. But there are so many more “ordinary-extraordinary” things like the first steps of a child or grandchild, the first robin seen in spring, the hugs sent long distance? These things all put a spark of joy in our hearts.

We have so much to be grateful for and yet we must be reminded to give Him thanks. It does not come easily, does it? I am just going to put it out there as is: We are too busy! From the youngest reader to the oldest, we move through each day at an alarming and tiring pace. Has anyone ever wondered what you missed along the way? It is a sad moment when we realize our oversight!

How do we find the big and little blessings that bring us joy? First, we need to slow down and appreciate what is right in front of us. In other words, enjoy life! Then, we need to be on the lookout, alert and ready to catch the beauty that is all around us. If we could but do this for one day, I wonder what kind of song we might find ourselves singing.

It does not matter to Him whether we sing on pitch or can’t even carry a tune in a basket. Love songs from our heart to His are about words of thankfulness, not the melody. Just open your mouth and sing! Don’t make Him strain to hear the words that are bubbling up inside of you. Belt it out joyfully!

10,000 Reasons

Father God, thank You for who You are. Teach us how to be bold and confident as we belt out our love songs to You. AMEN.

Mo Haner