Fill Your Day With Praise

Dave and I like to watch flashmob videos on YouTube. Last night, right before we went to bed, we watched one of my favorites.

It starts with one man in a tuxedo, standing in the middle of a city square. When a little girl puts some coins in a hat on the ground, he begins to play his stand-up bass. In just a few minutes, he’s joined by more musicians and finally a choir.

They were playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Not only is it a beautiful melody but my heart began to sing the lyrics which were written by Henry van Dyke in 1907.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You
Op’ning to the sun above

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays
Stars and angels sing around You
Center of unbroken praise

Field and forest, vale and mountain
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!”

What a wonderful way to fall asleep and wake again. Praising the Lord with all my heart!

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, praise His holy name. ² Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. ³ He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. ⁴ He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. ⁵ He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle…¹⁹ The Lord has set up His throne in the heavens. And His holy nation rules over all. ²⁰ Praise the Lord, you powerful angels of His who do what He says, obeying His voice as He speaks! ²¹ Praise the Lord, all you armies of His who work for Him and do what pleases Him. ²² Praise the Lord, all His works in all places under His rule. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 103 NLV

For a few brief moments in that city square it was if the whole earth was praising the Lord. The orchestra, the choir and those listening were caught up in one special moment of praise, whether they realized it or not.

Praise is our opportunity to recount the many wonderful things the Lord has done for us.

“Your thoughts are of great worth to me, O God. How many there are! ¹⁸ If I could number them, there would be more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18 NLV

We are always a part of God’s thoughts. From the beginning of creation, we were part of His plan.

Our Good Shepherd leads us, guides us, brings us to a place of rest and protection. He is with us always and when life on earth is over, eternal life with Him in heaven will begin!

Let that fill your day with praise!