I am asking the Lord to make us aware of what we say under our breath. You know, the self talk, the frustrated venting, the sideways comments that we would never say at full volume. Does it surprise you sometimes when you catch yourself doing that, like where did that come from? How about if we paid attention to our self talk and focused that same energy on the things that grow our lives deeper.

This week we are focusing on living joy-filled lives and we find in scripture that God calls us to sing for joy, kind of like work for pay. There is an exchange that happens when we put the words in our heart with a song of praise and proclaim our worship as a song, it brings joy! Remember yesterday we talked about how joy is an expression, it is seen, and today we talk about how it is even heard.

Psalms 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalms 47:1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

Psalms 63:5-7 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

Psalms 96:11-13 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Isaiah 12:6 “… Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

Some of you are all ready thinking this doesn’t apply to you because you are not a singer or a songwriter and so this must apply to someone else. Think again! This is about your heart song, it is not about a billboard ranking. The dictionary defines the word song as “a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung.” Your outward expression towards the one who loves you the MOST! Don’t get hung up on crafting a symphony, you are one part. What are the “set of words” in your heart that express your love and thanks to the Most High God? Give it a try today, sing out your praise and watch the exchange that He has for you!

Can’t wait to hear about your new song today!! Download today’s worksheet: handout 10_08_2013

Love being in the Word with you!

Cheryl J