Live to Sing God’s Praises

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Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Devotion:

            In the above scripture we see the apostle Paul instructing the believers at Ephesus to take care that their manner of life conforms to the gospel. The Ephesians are not to live as unwise people but as wise. They are to live according to the wisdom that God himself provides, so that they will live in a way that pleases God. The people are to be connected to the source of all wisdom. That they may walk in wisdom as a manner of life and not stray from it. Foolishness must not be named among them as they seek to live in manner worthy of their calling to faith in Jesus.

            Paul insists that they are not to get drunk with wine of other alcoholic drinks because that leads to sin. Instead, they are to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to live lives that are pleasing to God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will lead them to spend their time worshiping God with all sorts of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, which will benefit both themselves and all who hear these songs of praise. God enjoys the praise of his people. Spiritual songs freely offered draw us near to the throne room of God.

            The conclusion of today’s scripture passage encourages us to always have a song of praise to God in our heart. Because we are to constantly give praise to God the Father in heaven. And as we learn elsewhere in the Bible God’s throne room is full of constant songs of praise from all the heavenly hosts. Therefore, God’s people should likewise be filling the earth with songs of loudest praise to our creator and heavenly King. This is our response to all the great wonders and promises God has given us freely. Let us pray:

Prayer:

            Lord, we lift our voices now to praise you. We forget our trials and tribulations in this world as we bless your holy name in heaven. Give us voices to always sing your praise and thanksgiving. You have done wonderful things for your children, and we rejoice in them. Help us to open our lips and sing your praises. May we worship you will our whole beings today. Amen.

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