Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. - James 5:13 NIV
There's a children's song called "If You're Happy and You Know It." As a youngster, you probably sang it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
The song goes on replacing "clap your hands" with "stomp your feet," then " "shout 'Hurray!'" and finally "do all three." While the song is sung, frowning faces brighten with smiles and giggles, and laughter fills the air. The song is infectious, as the joy spreads from person to person.
I wonder if this kind of joy James had in mind when he talks about singing songs of praise. Celebrating with glee for no other reason than we are God's chosen. To lift our hearts in gratitude simply because we are loved.
Keeping in mind that joy, pick your favorite gospel song, and sing your praise today. Raise your hands, tap your feet, or do a little jig. If you're in the car -- do it safely -- but let those around you wonder what's going on! Do it all with delight in Jesus Christ. Go out into the world with a big smile on your face and love in your heart. Let others know your happiness, be infectious for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here's the chorus from "When We All Get to Heaven" guaranteed to put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory!
God, thank you for your grace. We are quick to come to you in our times of trouble but confess we are slower to give you praise. Right now, we are singing songs of joy. We are lifting paise to you because you are our awesome and loving God. Let the joy in our hearts be infectious. Let those we meet today see the light of you in our faces, and may they hear your love in our voices. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Joy & Blessings,
Pastor Tim

コメント