Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 6, 2024
Psalm 149:1-9
1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful! 2 Let Israel celebrate its maker; let Zion’s children rejoice in their king! 3 Let them praise God’s name with dance; let them sing God’s praise with the drum and lyre! 4 Because the LORD is pleased with his people, God will beautify the poor with saving help. 5 Let the faithful celebrate with glory; let them shout for joy on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 to get revenge against the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 binding their rulers in chains and their officials in iron shackles, 9 achieving the justice written against them. That will be an honor for all God’s faithful people. Praise the LORD!
Good Morning! Sing to the Lord a new song!
I have always appreciated the Psalms that invite or command us to make a joyful noise. As much as I appreciate my self-designated quiet time for individual meditation, I struggle with the awkward silence that is sometimes part of public worship.
It is hard for me to remain focused on meditation in a group setting because I’m distracted by the obvious silence. I start to notice the noises that creep in, like someone shifting in their seat or dropping a paper, and my brain goes off on a tangent. Perhaps this is a learned skill that I need to hone.
In my ministry, I work to engage people in worship services. I am inspired by the “noise” of active worship. We, a.k.a. sleepy Methodists, might think “Amen” when a good point is made, but the utterance stays tightly held behind our vocal cords. I say “let the faithful celebrate with glory.”
Shout or even whisper Amen when you feel the spirit moving within you!
Dear Lord, We are your children! We stifle the spirit within us in the name of decorum. Let us allow the spirit to move us into action. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: It’s time to make a joyful noise to God.
Can I get an “Amen?”! Pastor Liz
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