Rejoice in the Lord

-

 

Scripture: Psalm 47:1 (NIV)

1 Clap your hands, all you nations;

shout to God with cries of joy.

Devotion:

How do you express your joy to God? Do you sing praises, dance, or jump for joy? Do you clap your hands, as the psalmist exhorts us to do in Psalm 47:1?

Clapping is a universal gesture of celebration, approval, and enthusiasm. It's a way we all express our joy, whether we're happy, appreciating something, or showing support. But it's more than that. It's a way of making noise, drawing attention, and creating a rhythm. The contagious nature of clapping means that one person's joy can inspire others to join in, creating a sense of community and connection that transcends physical boundaries.

But clapping is not just a human activity. The Bible tells us that the trees of the field will clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12), the rivers will clap their hands, and the mountains will sing together for joy (Psalm 98:8). Clapping is part of the natural response of creation to God's glory and majesty.

When we clap our hands to God, we join in the chorus of praise that fills the earth and the heavens. We acknowledge his power and sovereignty over all nations and peoples. We express our gratitude and delight in his salvation and his reign. We invite others to share in our joy and worship.

Clapping our hands to God is not just an act of celebration, it's an act of faith. It's a physical manifestation of our trust in his promises, our hope in his coming, and our obedience to his commands. This act of faith reassures us and strengthens our confidence in our spiritual journey, reminding us that we are not alone in our walk with God.

Prayer:

So let us clap our hands to God with joy, celebrate his goodness and grace, and make a joyful noise to the Lord, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let us clap our hands, all you nations, and shout to God with the voice of triumph. Amen.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming the Unwelcome

-
  Scripture: Luke 7:36-38 (NIV) 36  When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them. Devotion:             First of all, some warnings to my readers. This post will exceed the 500 words I try to limit my posts. Second, this post will contain content people may find offensive or otherwise unfit for print. Please understand that my purpose is neither to offend nor upset but to provoke thought and, hopefully, respectful dialog.             We will use Luke chapt...
Read more

The Hatred of the World

-
Scripture: John 15:18-20 (ESV) 18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. Devotion:             This scripture is compelling. It explains what happened to Jesus and His disciples some 2,000 years ago. The message of God is rarely welcome news for the world. It calls out many of the culture's favorite practices for what they are: sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humankind has been adamant about trying to hide or excuse their sin. Sin causes a barrier between humans and God that humanity cannot overcom...
Read more

Reflecting on Reformation Day

-
  On October 31st, millions of Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day, a commemoration of a pivotal moment in church history. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act, challenging the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ignited what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. The Courage to Stand for Truth Reformation Day calls us to reflect on the courage it takes to stand for truth. Martin Luther faced immense opposition and risked his life to speak against the corruption and abuses he saw within the church. His conviction was rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a sincere desire to return to the teachings of Christ. As we remember Luther's bravery, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it is difficult? Do we seek truth in God's word and let it guide our actions? Script...
Read more