Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Psalm 96:1-9 (NRSV)

O sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in holy splendor;
tremble before him, all the earth.

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Reflect

I read a story recently about participants at a church conference in Nebraska. Each person was given a helium-filled balloon and told to release it at a point in the worship service when he or she felt like expressing joy. Throughout the service, balloons ascended one by one. But when the service ended, one-third of the people had not released their balloons. Why do people have difficulty expressing joy in God?

This psalm is a beautiful example of praise to and worship of God given out of joy. How can you not be joyful when you reflect on the psalmist’s description of our loving God? God is rich in love, good to one and all! God always does what God says! God gives us a fresh start when we feel like we’ve hit rock bottom. So, turn loose of your balloon and give praise to our gracious and merciful God! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!

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Pray

Awesome God, let our hearts overflow with joy as we center our lives in your will. Let our joy be contagious so that others will be influenced and join in your praise and work. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Go with God.