The Bible is filled with songs of praise. These joyful verses glorify God and provide an example for us to imitate. If your spirits are sagging today due to hardships, be encouraged by these three songs of gratitude and the lessons we can learn from them.
1. Moses' Song: God Fights For Us
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonder? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. Exodus 15:11-13 KJV
After Israel escapes Pharaoh's army and crosses the Red Sea, Moses sings of God's power and salvation. Though hope seemed lost, God miraculously brought them out of danger and destroyed the most powerful army on earth at that time. This act would be remembered for years, as seen in the fall of Jericho when Rahab recounts the story (Joshua 2:1).
God's protection didn't end at the Red Sea but continued on to the next generations. When God fights our battles for us, we too should praise Him. Though we can only see a part of what He is doing, we can trust that His plans have long reaching effects that will continue to bless us and our families for years to come.
2. Mary's Song: God Uses the Humble
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1:46-48 KJV
We know very little about Mary, but her response to God's plan makes it clear that she is both humbled and honored that God would choose her. This willingness to serve God in the face of extreme heartbreak and difficulty has inspired Christians for generations.
Following God's will for our lives can be a daunting task especially when we feel weak or ill. But true worship helps us focus on the mercy and love that He has shown us. Remembering all the good God has done in our lives can encourage us to embrace our own tasks and serve Him with a joyful, humble heart.
3. The 24 Elders’ Song: Jesus redeems us
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. Revelation 5:9 KJV
The Bible makes it very clear how righteous the Lord is and how unworthy we are to stand in His holy presence. However, Jesus sanctified us by offering Himself as a sacrifice and cleansing believers with His blood. We have the precious gift of being able to come before God and take part in His kingdom. And not just us: Jesus welcomes believers from every corner of the earth.
As we look forward to the day we are united with God and our loved ones in Heaven, let us not lose sight of the people He has placed in our lives here at Bethesda Gardens in Frisco. God calls us to reach the lost and to strengthen our fellow Christians.
When we interact with our neighbors, let's do so with Jesus' love and guidance so that each soul we encounter has the opportunity to join us around God's throne.
