(The last days have been very hard and I spent most of the time in bed and my mind was not clear.  Sorry I have fallen so far behind!)

June 6, 2018 Wednesday

“« To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of Asaph. » Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the lute. Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, At the full moon, on our solemn feast day. For this is a statute for Israel, A law of the God of Jacob. This He established in Joseph as a testimony, When He went throughout the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language I did not understand. “I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets. You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” (Psalm 81:1-10 NKJV)

            The psalmist calls for us to sing out loud and to shout with joy as we celebrate the goodness and greatness of God! We are called to sing together with the musicians and those who play instruments and a great chorus of God’s people. But we are also called to sing and shout our praise for God and joyfully celebrate God’s provision and blessing.

            In every possible way we are to celebrate and remember God’s power, God’s salvation, God’s removing our guilt and burden and to see God’s continued blessing upon us. Some may do this with the heart, so will do this with the trumpet, some will use many different instruments and many will use their voice and raise a song to God!

            In the many holy days, which some call holidays, we are given an opportunity to remember God’s work in the past which still continues not only in the world but in our lives. These holy days are also a reminder that we are part of an incredible orchestra and choir that joined together with heaven itself in seeking to give thanks and praise to God.

            Our failure to recognize and to celebrate all that God has done for us and to turn holy days into holidays will lead us away from God and will cause us to lose our relationship with God.

            Without our relationship with God we no longer fall under God’s power and are returned to the slavery that God redeemed us from. Not only are we burdened by the load of our guilt and fear we fall under God’s admonishment. God will use our burden and His admonishment as a chance to call us back to the God who is worthy of our songs and shouts of joy.

            If we are not careful we will fill not only our hearts and minds with our fallen nature but we will also fill our mouth and speak things that will dishonor God and keep others from God. Through our mouth not only are we enslaved but we can help others be enslaved!

            But God’s promise is if we will praise Him with our heart and mind then our mouth will be filled to overflowing with praise and celebration of God and others will be drawn to this God gives abundant and joyful life!

            What is coming out of your mouth? Do you see holidays for your good or holy days where you celebrate God’s goodness? Do you worship with a sense of dread or enjoy and celebration does your mouth sing fourth God’s praise?