PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 81
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!” (Psalm 81:1)
What stands out for me in today’s psalm is the opening line… sing for joy!
The psalm explains the reasons for joy, and how the people reject God’s grace.
Sing for joy, shout aloud (so people can hear), there is every reason to celebrate.
“Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” (81:10)
Is it possible that one reason my heart is empty because my mouth is closed?
What if I would “shout aloud” more about God, and all that God does for me?
What if praise (singing for joy) not only follows God’s grace, but fills me with it?
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45)
Where is the focus of my heart, and how is that showing through my mouth?
I hear the Lord telling me that praise actually helps fill the empty soul.
It focuses my attention on God and all my blessings from God.
It can also help me to resist temptation, distraction and discouragement.
Maybe this is the reason that I feel spiritually empty and unsatisfied!
“You will be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I will satisfy you.” (81:16)
PRAYER
Lord, too often my mouth is grumbling or rambling instead of praising. Remind me that the mouth is the overflow of the heart, and that you give me plenty of reasons for joy!
Let loose! Not to hold back – I’ve been freed up to praise – to live my life in service/praise to my Maker – for His Grace through Jesus – has freed me up. What do I have to worry about in this life! Let me not get distracted about the care of other things or the extent of my career etc. Let me instead be a good steward – using my resources to do things that last – that have worth in the Kingdom of God. Help me Lord to love and serve my neighbour – because I am free to do so! Let me sing/serve in praise of the Lord!
This reminds me of a verse (not sure where??-sorry) that says “Our God inhabits praise”, and a song I used to sing maybe 40 years ago, with a chorus of Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him, Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise, Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind us-serve only to remind us, they fall powerless behind us when you praise Him.
tdk–Thank you for the songs, a reminder of my favorite way to praise.
Listen.
Stop and look and listen. Listen to the voice of the Lord saying, This is the way. Walk in it.
Look at what the Lord has done.
See His presence.
See His faithfulness.
Each day anew talk with the Lord and see His presence in my life. He continues to lead His people.
1
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
Come into my heart, I pray;
My soul is so troubled and weary,
Come into my heart, today.
Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
2
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
I need Thee through life’s dreary way;
The burden of sin is so heavy,
Come into my heart to stay.
3
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
Now cleanse and illumine my soul;
Fill me with Thy wonderful Spirit,
Come in and take full control.