I love Solomon’s classic contrasts in the Book of Ecclesiastes. While expressing “to everything there is a season,” he contrasts “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7, 3:1-9).
This
past weekend, America celebrated 250 years of existence. That’s not long in comparison
to many other nations around the world, but to us it was worth celebrating.
Along
with the history of the nation's founding, we heard many patriotic hymns and
songs. We also heard many prayers for America. Some were prayers of
thanksgiving, while others were prayers for God’s continued mercy upon us.
What
makes a nation? People! And such a wide variety, too. In America, we have fifty
states, each with a varied history of its early settlers; however, it’s been my
privilege to talk with missionaries. I’ve always enjoyed learning that each
country has its own variety of people and cultures.
How
can we ALL speak to the LORD? Psalm 100 gives some
guidelines. The first verse says we can “make a joyful noise.” Psalm
98:4-6 tells us that joyful noise can be shouts of joy or songs of praise with instruments
of various kinds.
Sometimes,
I enjoy singing or making music on an instrument myself. At other times, I
enjoy worshiping the Lord while listening to a CD or DVD of Christian songs. And,
of course, church worship includes singing by the congregation, such a
joyful sound.
Here
are two basic guidelines: (1) Enter His gates with thanksgiving, then (2)
go further into His courts with praise (Psalm
100:4). I picture it this way. First, I thank
God for the things He has done, and then I praise Him for who He is.
Psalm 100:5 gives us three reasons to praise the LORD: (1) He is good, (2) His love endures forever, and (3) His faithfulness endures to all generations. Isn’t it easy to say “Praise the Lord” for all that?
Speak up wholeheartedly. Bless
the LORD,
O my soul; all that is within me, bless His Holy
name (Psalm 103:1).
Pixabay: Diversity, Earth, Family; GDJ.
