My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered. (Ps. 71:23)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 71:19-24
There is nothing like the confident prayers of God’s faithful children lifting their requests and praises heavenward toward him. Psalm 71 gives us a peek into what these prayers may sound like. The psalmist started in a lament, but he concludes by praising God for protecting and redeeming him. What is the psalmist’s message? When life is closing in all around you, look to God. Since God has saved you, don’t stop praising him.
Our Scripture study this week has revealed that God’s grand plan of salvation isn’t just the latest fad, meant for just a select few or given just to make you feel good about yourself. God’s salvation should cause you to sing praises, talk of his glorious righteousness, and trust him with all areas of your life. If God would go to great lengths to save you by giving up his own Son, why would he abandon you now? God loves it when you call on him. If there is one thing we can say about God it’s that he knows what you need before you ask him. Not only is he for you, but he is actively working on your behalf in ways you don’t even realize.
When you feel discouraged by your circumstances, remember that God is active. He is always at work in the world and in your life.
Today, turn off the radio and sing your own praise to God.
Devon Smith is district superintendent of the Tri-State District of The Wesleyan Church and founder/director of the CROSS Training ordination program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
