THE STORY OF JESUS: Nehemiah 11-12
“The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:43)
Have you ever heard the “sound of rejoicing” like this?
When’s the last time you experienced the sound of believers rejoicing?
Not just an amplified sound system, not just a large group singing.
I’m thinking of a truly joy-filled, full throttle praising?
When the joy in the Lord within cannot be contained.
True joy is not something that we can fake or make happen.
It is the result of the Spirit impressing God’s love and grace in my heart.
To have the “sound of rejoicing”, we need to experience joy within.
It won’t help to argue about worship styles, songs, instruments, etc.
Joy is the fruit of knowing God and Jesus within, and then any style will do.
Joyful worship starts inside of me, it can’t be found in a liturgy.
How has the greatness or goodness of God caused my heart to move this week?
Is my heart stirring with gratitude, or my eyes with tears?
I sense the Lord asking me, ‘am I experiencing the joy of the Lord within?’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I’m not content with worship music, songs or instruments. Inflame such a joy within my heart that any music, song or instrument will do!
Living for Jesus.
Enjoying the joy of the Lord.
Lifting songs of praise and thanksgiving.
God gives His people strength and hope and gladness and joy and rejoicing when the people performed their service to the King of kings.
Living for Jesus in His power and strength each day for He has enabled His people to willingly serve.
Today I also need to lift up my songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. He has enabled me to live for Him and I go forward each day in His power, led by His Spirit for He has made me glad.
I will enter his gates with
Thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter his courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the
Lord has made
I will rejoice for he has made me glad
He has made me glad
He has made me glad
I will rejoice for he has
Made me glad (2x)