Summary: I recently read the words of Psalm 81 and realized something new. It says, "Sing for Joy to God our strength, Shout out loud to the God of Jacob." Friends, this is a command. Strange as it may seem, praise is not optional. Worship is not just something we do when we feel like it. The act of proclaiming the joy we've found in the Lord is an important and powerful part of our relationship with Christ. Can you recall the heavy burdens you had before God called you into the kingdom? I sure can! The same pressures and temptations you had then may still come but remember, heaven is your home. The deep desperation of being a slave to sin is lifted. This is cause to shout, to dance, to sing!Another reason we need to proclaim out loud is so others might hear and learn what God has done for us. Being grateful internally is good but, if we don't speak up, others may not know what God has done in our lives. Let's be people who live our gratefulness and tell others what the Lord has done, by His grace. Live out the joy you've found in Him with your words and deeds. I'll work hard to do that this week. Will you also?
