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It Calls for a Joyful Praise, November 21
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
.
Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise. It
becomes every child of God to vindicate His character. You can magnify the
Lord; you can show the power of sustaining grace. There are multitudes who
do not appreciate the great love of God nor the divine compassion of Jesus.
Thousands even regard with disdain the matchless grace shown in the plan of
redemption. All who are partakers of this great salvation are not clear in this
matter. They do not cultivate grateful hearts. But the theme of redemption is
one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of
the ransomed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of
careful thought and study now? Should we not praise God with heart and soul
and voice “for His wonderful works to the children of men” (
Psalm 107:8
)?
Praise the Lord in the congregation of His people. When the word of the
Lord was spoken to the Hebrews anciently, the command was: “And let all
the people say, Amen” (
Psalm 106:48
). When the ark of the covenant was
brought into the city of David, and a psalm of joy and triumph was chanted,
“all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord” (
1 Chronicles 16:36
). This
fervent response was an evidence that they understood the word spoken and
joined in the worship of God.
There is too much formality in our religious services. The Lord would
have His ministers who preach the Word energized by His Holy Spirit; and
the people who hear should not sit in drowsy indifference, or stare vacantly
about, making no responses to what is said. The impression that is thus
given to the unbeliever is anything but favorable for the religion of Christ.
These dull, careless professed Christians are not destitute of ambition and
zeal when engaged in worldly business; but things of eternal importance do
not move them deeply. The voice of God through His messengers may be
a pleasant song; but its sacred warnings, reproofs, and encouragements are
all unheeded. The Spirit of the world has paralyzed them. The truths of
God’s Word are spoken to leaden ears and hard, unimpressible hearts. There
should be wide-awake, active churches to encourage and uphold the ministers
of Christ and to aid them in the work of saving souls. Where the church is
walking in the light, there will ever be cheerful, hearty responses and words
of joyful praise.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:317, 318
.
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