friend, let your praise arise!

Yesterday, we mentioned this scripture, and I believe it holds an important, life-giving truth: “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” (Psalm 126:2, NKJV) I love to listen to songs of praise to the Lord...especially when life isn’t easy and I’m struggling to enter into joy. I thank God for all of His talented, anointed artists. Many composers have written incredibly beautiful songs for the glory of God, and it is so good to join in with these songs and praise Him!   However, I believe nothing can replace the words you bring to God in your own personal, unique way. Nothing can replace the value of your praise! The Father’s heart yearns to hear your voice, the song rising from your heart.   This morning, heaven lends an ear to your voice. Heaven attentively waits for a new song, a song straight from your heart. The Bible encourages us to…   “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” (Psalm 33:1-3)     Did you notice what I noticed reading this scripture, friend? Praise and joy are connected! As you praise Him, heaviness leaves and joy comes! Jesus is the One anointed to give you “‘The oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.’” (Isaiah 61:3) Today, let the joyous sound of your praise arise! As you do, the oil of joy will come and Jesus will be glorified!