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"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6 ESV)
Sometimes as workers in God's mission field, we forget how miraculous are the ways of God. We get used to the way we conduct ministry, and it becomes a routine part of our lives. In contrast to what we think, the Lord reminds us that His Spirit is at work in ways that are far beyond our comprehension.
Oday, a young, educated man in the Middle East, was touched by God's love and grace through our book, A Story & A Hymn. It's so amazing to witness how God chooses the way and the time to get into a relationship with someone.
He wrote to our office, "Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Peace be with all of you. When I first read the hymns in your book, I was extremely full of joy. An unexplainable feeling was growing inside of me. I could not help myself; I felt the urge to take my pen and write you this letter."
The daily tumult and religious tension in our part of the world did not thwart the Holy Spirit from touching the heart of this young man. Oday's writings show that he is experiencing God's power to change lives through the Holy Spirit. He went on, "The stories moved me. The words of the hymns delivered a superb message to me as if the Lord was addressing His words to me personally."
As we read Oday's letter, we are reminded of the power in praising God through any and every circumstance.
A simple hymn we learned a long time ago in Sunday school can be used mightily by God. It can be used to proclaim God's offer of salvation, comfort, and peace to the world and, in turn, reach the hearts of thousands. We praise God because we are thankful for what He has done for us through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son.
When we praise Him for His grace, we give Him what He deserves, and He offers us a joyful heart. Praise then becomes a deep and profound expression of our love to God and leads us to worship Him with our lives.
Oday concluded, "And I have a request, my friends. Can you please send me A Story & A Hymn (part 2), so I may have the opportunity to learn even more hymns and enjoy the blessings God so gladly provides. Thank you! May God bless you all the time. Your brother, Oday."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the chance to share Your Name and Your great salvation with others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
From the message, "The Power of Praise," written by a volunteer who works with LHM in the Middle East and Africa
Reprinted with Permission from Lutheran Hour Ministries
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there ways to praise God without singing or speaking to Him?
2. Why is it important to praise God? Is there something we get out of doing this?
3. Can you give 3-5 other Bible verses beyond this Psalm that refer to people praising God?
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