A World Without Music

 

By Andrea Merrell

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
    praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
    praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!

Psalm 150: 4-6 MSG

Can you imagine a world without music? Think of all your favorite movies and TV shows. How drab and different would they be without the musical backgrounds that make them come alive?

More importantly, think of a world void of melodies and harmonies that not only lift praise and worship to our Lord but bring us into His presence.

Music is healing. Singer Julie True says, “On a spiritual level, music bypasses our mind and goes straight to our heart, soul, and spirit. It touches places that nothing else can reach … worship opens the heavens and moves God’s heart.”

Music is also powerful. According to The Word for You Today:

Harvard researchers are reporting that music is a healing balm for stroke victims, Alzheimer’s disease, and the physical stress of premature birth. They have learned that music can improve surgical outcomes, help restore lost speech, reduce the side effects of cancer therapy, relieve pain, improve mood, and help battle depression.

The Bible talks about songs of deliverance. Just ask Paul and Silas. Bound in prison under the worst possible conditions, they sang praises to God. Because of their worship, they were loosed from their chains and set free, along with all the other prisoners.

Music is a gift from our heavenly Father and something we should be thankful for each and every day.

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Vlado.

Win the Battle with Praise

By Andrea Merrell

 

This is what the Lord says to you:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.

For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV

“We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do.”

These were the words of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:12) when he faced three different armies that had combined to wipe out his land. He confessed his predicament and cried out to the Lord. Then he said, “Our eyes are on you.”

The Lord answered, “Do not be afraid.” He assured Jehoshaphat that the battle belonged to Him, not an earthly king. Then he gave some rather unorthodox instructions. He told the king to put the choir in front of the army. Can you imagine? God wanted them to praise their way into victory. And so they did.

Have you ever been in a situation where it seems all the powers of hell have combined to wipe you out? I know I have. In those times, the last thing our flesh wants to do is to start praising the Lord. We want to kick and scream, grumble and complain. But God doesn’t respond to tantrums. He responds to our faith and our heartfelt praise.

The next time you’re in a tough situation, remember that the battle belongs to God. Put your worship on. As Bob Gass says, “Begin to praise God, and the forces of heaven will come to your aid.”

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Chaiwat.)

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When we’re in a battle, God doesn’t respond to tantrums. He responds to our faith and our heartfelt praise. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Time for a Praise Break

By Andrea Merrell

To all who mourn in Israel,

    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

    festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

Everyone needs a break from time to time. Whether it’s a coffee break, a brisk walk, or a few minutes for a power nap, taking time to rest, regroup, and refocus is vital to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

But what about our spiritual needs?

God promises to replace our heavy hearts with a garment of praise. I’ve found that when darkness seems to surround me, invading my soul and pulling me into a pit of despair, it’s time to offer up a sacrifice of praise. When I do, God always comes on the scene and drives away the clouds of doom and gloom.

The Bible is filled with admonitions to praise the Lord—no matter how bleak out circumstances may appear. Giving thanks to our Creator and worshiping His holy name will restore our peace, our joy, and our purpose. Praise takes the focus off our problems and places it on the One who can turn every situation around, solve every problem, and restore us to our rightful place in His kingdom. He is ready, willing, and more than able to come to our rescue.

If you’re struggling today and your life is out of kilter, maybe it’s time for a praise break.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/tiverylucky.)

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If you’re struggling today and your life is out of kilter, it’s time for a praise break. (Click to Tweet.)

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Heart Condition

By Andrea Merrell

God desires our praise, our worship, and intimate communion. But does He expect each of His children to respond exactly the same way?

If you look around at any church service or Christian concert, you’ll see people responding to God in a variety of ways. While some hands are raised high in worship and surrender, heads are bowed and eyes closed in silent respect and adoration. Some might dance with joyful abandon while others sit quietly, soaking in His presence.

At a ladies’ conference several years ago, my friend, Joyce, was seated next to a lady who seemed to take extreme interest in the way Joyce was responding to the service and continually tried to coach her. “Don’t close your hands, honey. That means your heart and mind are closed to the Lord. Open your hands and turn your palms upward so you can receive what God has for you.”

After the third time, Joyce turned to me with a sigh and a look of total exasperation on her face. She was distracted by the constant interruptions and getting little out of the speaker’s presentation. Not wanting to be rude or offend the lady by asking her to mind her own business, we quietly slipped out of the balcony like we were going to the restroom and found another seat.

What this well-meaning lady failed to realize is that we all receive from God according to our own personality, upbringing, and state of mind. We should never try to dictate to others how they should respond when in God’s presence.

It was a very uncomfortable situation at the time but if we could go back and have a do-over, I would very nicely say to the lady, “It’s the condition of the heart that matters, not the position of the hands. That’s what God sees.”

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/imagerymajestic.)

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It’s the condition of the heart that matters, not our body language. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

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Don't Hold Back Your Praise

By Andrea Merrell

I was amazed at the instant change in her countenance. Even her personality changed.

After coming to this particular doctor’s office for years, this woman had never been personable—at least not to me. She never smiled and rarely looked me in the eye. It was hard to tell if she was shy, depressed, or hated her job. She was definitely all business.

On one visit, I noticed she had changed the style and color of her hair. She looked very attractive but still sullen. As I waited for her to finish her dialogue with another patient, my eyes kept focusing on her hair. When she finally turned her attention to me, I said “I love your hair. It looks absolutely stunning.”

The difference in her was incredible. Her eyes lit up and she jokingly said she wondered why I had been staring at her. We had a very pleasant and animated conversation about hair before I took my seat. As I waited, I tuned in to her conversation with other patients and coworkers. Again, incredible. She was bubbly and sweet as she joked with people while going about her duties.

That one tiny word of genuine, heart-felt praise transformed her. It was as if someone flipped a switch and the room filled with light.

This scenario made me wonder how many times I have held back my praise and missed the opportunity to bless someone. It’s possible that the person we wrongly judge by their attitude is waiting for a single word of encouragement or approval. I know there have been times in my own life when a simple affirmation spurred a spark of hope and caused me to believe in myself and try a little harder.

Shallow praise is worthless, but sincere words can change a person’s life forever. Look for the good in others and don’t be afraid to tell them. 

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/sattva.)

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Shallow praise is worthless, but sincere words can change a person's life forever. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

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A Sacrifice of Praise

Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually. Hebrews 13:15

The last thing I felt like doing was praising God. I was in pain, worried about finances, and spiraling into depression. All I wanted to do was complain and cry myself to sleep.

In everything give thanks.

What did I have to be thankful for? Everything was going wrong. Where was God when I needed Him?

Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.

Giving my praise would definitely be a sacrifice. My soul felt parched and dry.

Count it all joy.

What? You’ve got to be kidding! There’s no joy in my situation. Where are you God?

God inhabits the praises of His people.

Suddenly all my arguments fell flat. God had not abandoned me. He knew my desperation and waited for me to give Him what He desired most—my love and my praise.

What did I have to be thankful for? So many things I couldn’t begin to count them all. God’s faithfulness, provision, and countless answers to prayers over the years, filled my heart.

In everything give thanks.

He wasn’t asking me to thank Him for my circumstances; He was asking me to praise Him in spite of them—knowing He would take care of everything that concerned me.

Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.

Realizing how much I had to be thankful for made the sacrifice much easier and well worth the effort.

Count it all joy.

My soul began to rejoice, knowing God had heard my prayer and was coming to my rescue.

God inhabits the praises of His people.

That’s why the Psalmist said, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” When we express our gratitude, God is enthroned upon our praise and the cares of this life fade away in comparison to His glory and grace.

Need Him today? Give Him your praise.

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