Word of Encouragement (09/05/2024)

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! (1 Chron. 16:8-13)

David calls on the people of God to make known God’s deeds among the peoples (v. 8) and tell of all His wondrous works (v. 9). There is something deeply personal and private about our relationship with God. So, Jesus tells us to go into our rooms and shut the door when we pray (Matt. 6:6). During His earthly ministry, He often went off by Himself to commune with the Father (Matt. 14:23). But the truth of God is not something that is true just for ourselves or for Christians in general; it is the objective truth, to which everyone is accountable. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a two-edged sword: for those who believe, it is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), a fragrance from life to life (2 Cor. 2:16); for those who reject it, it is a fragrance from death to death (2 Cor. 2:16).

Here, David speaks of “God’s deeds.” There are certain things God does in the lives of individual Christians, which are known only to Him and them. Even these things we can share with others in our testimonies. But the deeds of God include the objective works of God in history. God’s people are called to “broadcast” these deeds, which demonstrate YHWH to be the one and only true God and the Savior of the world. This is especially the case with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the good news (which is what gospel means) that God has sent His only Son to save sinners through His life, death, and resurrection. How important and urgent it is to make this gospel known among all peoples since it promises forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Jesus Christ as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), the Savior of the world. To whom can you tell of God’s deeds today?

David also calls on God’s people to sing to God His praises (v. 9). Music is everywhere. People listen to music all the time. When we feel like it, we hum or sing along. There are so many love songs and breakup songs. But when do we sing praises to anyone? We may compliment and praise people when they succeed or accomplish something significant. And once a year, we may congratulate people by singing “Happy Birthday.” And on some special occasions, a singer may dedicate a song that is appropriate to the occasion, or the person being celebrated. But we rarely sing a song, praising a particular individual (unless you are in a place like North Korea where people are forced to sing praises of their dictator). Even our national anthems are sung on special and formal occasions.

This call to praise God by singing shows how much God is worthy of our praise. We should sing praises to Him always, not just in our weekly worship. Consider some of the descriptions Paul gives of being filled with the Holy Spirit: “...addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart...” (Eph. 5:19). Do you have some psalms or hymns or spiritual songs memorized so you can sing to God with your heart?

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