A monk shared an experience with theologian Karl Barth: “One evening, being choirmaster of his monastery, he was chanting the Magnificat with his confrères, when suddenly a French shell crashed through the roof and exploded in the nave of the church. But the smoke thinned away and the Magnifcat continued.”* Even the violence and chaos … Continue reading It exploded, but praise continued
praise
Surround me with songs of deliverance
In Psalm 32:7 a struggling David prays these words to God: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” He needs relief. He needs protection. And so he asks that God surround him “with songs of deliverance.” He knows that the music will serve as … Continue reading Surround me with songs of deliverance
Directing your happiness
In the Bible, James is so wise. He gives insight about how to respond to a variety of different situations. Here’s an example. In James 5:13 he writes: “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Simple. Straightforward. But what difference does it make? Earlier he has said that “Every good and perfect gift is … Continue reading Directing your happiness
True beauty
Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you want to be fortified, braced, strengthened? Me too. That’s why it’s vital to praise God. Here’s how those things are connected. In Psalm 103 David talks about praising God. A lot. Check it out: Verse 1: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Verse 2: “Praise the LORD, … Continue reading The strengthening effect of praising God
The privilege to worship the newborn King
Last week I visited someone who’s had a lot of challenges in the past year. Let’s call him Jake. Jake was sad because for the first time ever he won’t be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Physically, he just can’t do it. How many of us can do it—quite easily, actually—and therefore, … Continue reading The privilege to worship the newborn King
Affirmation from the wrong people or places
There was a young boy who got C’s on his report card. His dad said that if he just worked harder, he could probably get B’s. Time passed and the boy worked hard. He really wanted to impress his dad. He sooo wanted his affirmation and praise! The next report card came and, lo and … Continue reading Affirmation from the wrong people or places
On the wall of a slave’s cell
If you go out of your way to worship God, and if someone asked you WHY you did that, what would you say? -That it spiritually feeds you? -That you like the music? -That it helps you pray? -That the sense of community is meaningful? -That it’s a sense of duty? -That God deserves it? … Continue reading On the wall of a slave’s cell
The cure for poor I-sight
It’s no secret that our society is highly individualistic. It often seems like everyone’s elbowing for room in a me-first world where there’s only so much happiness, opportunity or money to go around. From a Christian point of view, the problem is that we’re supposed to put God first—not ourselves. Jesus said, “If anyone would … Continue reading The cure for poor I-sight
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
