Singing and Shouting

Looking through the Psalms, I've noticed numerous times when we're instructed to sing or shout to the Lord.

Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) tells us, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name, proclaim his salvation day after day."

Again, Psalm 98:1 (NIV) says, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;"

Some so many talented artists write and record worship songs to tell of what the Lord is doing - marvelous things! There is no reason to not worship the Lord Jesus. We have no reason to grumble that we don't know what to sing!  If you cannot find a song to sing, then I encourage you to begin reading the Psalms.  Are you struggling to pray?  Read the Psalms aloud to the Lord as your prayer.

Out in the countryside by yourself?  Maybe shout out a Psalm to the Lord.  That will get the attention of the local animals 😉 However, you decide to pray - 'singing and shouting' are some ways to express worship.  David, who wrote many of the psalms sang and praised the Lord and wrote down his pieces.  He was a musical and poetical artist. Even today, we are the recipients of these recorded compilations.

After reading some Psalms, you could write a praise piece to the Lord to express your love for him.

Spending time in Scripture and reading (I suggest aloud) some Psalms, helps to reduce anxiety and worry.  Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on the One who loves us.

During trials and unexpected life happenings, we can find peace and joy through reading Scripture.  As you read the Psalms, you will find that those who wrote these words also had struggles, and they tell of deep pain, real love, and overcoming.

Something to think about.

Where Do You Find Your Safety?

 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

This verse reminds us that the Lord's name provides protection and safety for righteous people who seek refuge in it.

The Bible provides guidance and wisdom to Christians around the world. As part of the book of Proverbs, this verse is just one example of the many pieces of inspired wisdom.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking refuge in the Lord's name. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this world and that it is God to whom we turn for support and guidance. Whether you are facing challenges in your personal life, or workplace, or simply seeking greater understanding and connection with the world around you, the Bible is our valuable resource to draw upon, along with prayer and being part of the Christian community.

The idea of seeking refuge in the Lord's name is a common theme throughout the Bible. Within Scripture, many verses speak to the importance of relying on God for protection and guidance. Some examples include:

• "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)

• "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:9)

• "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

These verses, and many others like them, remind us that no matter what challenges we face, we can always turn to God for help and support. 

Who is a righteous person? Someone who is right with God. We cannot be right with God by our own actions.  Through our faith in Jesus Christ, speaking aloud and believing that He died and rose again to save us.  So, we never become righteous through our own doing; it's all that God has accomplished through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Reference: Romans 3:9-12

We either run to the Lord for refuge and safety, or we run to something, or somewhere always looking, and searching for peace.

Stepping out to face the challenges that come before us is not easy.  However, stepping out with God aids us in focusing on Him instead of ourselves.

Where do you find your refuge/safety?