Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing

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Scripture:  Ephesians 5:18-20 (NIV)

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Devotion:         

In Ephesians 5:18-20, Paul’s words call us into a life marked by spiritual fullness, worship, and gratitude. He begins by drawing a clear contrast: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The apostle isn’t merely cautioning against the dangers of excess; he’s offering us something far richer—a life empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit, our hearts, minds, and actions are shaped by God’s presence, freeing us from the destructive patterns that can ensnare us and redirecting our energies toward life-giving pursuits.

This Spirit-filled life is not private or solitary. Paul describes how it naturally overflows into our relationships: “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” Worship, in this sense, becomes communal, binding us together through shared expressions of faith. When we gather as a community—whether in church, small groups, or even casual conversations—we are invited to encourage, uplift, and remind one another of God’s goodness through song and word. Our voices unite not only in celebration but also in lament and hope, supporting one another through all seasons.

Paul also urges us to “sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” This is more than just an outward act; it is a posture of the heart. Genuine worship arises from an inner wellspring of joy, gratitude, and reverence. It is not limited to formal settings or perfect circumstances. The music we make—whether sung aloud, whispered in prayer, or felt in our spirits—is a response to the reality of God’s presence in our lives. Worship takes root in humble recognition of God’s grace and sovereignty, and it flourishes as we continually seek and delight in Him.

Finally, Paul anchors his exhortation in thanksgiving: “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gratitude is the hallmark of the Spirit-filled life. It is easy to give thanks when things go well, but Paul calls us to a deeper, broader gratitude—a thankfulness that persists in all circumstances. As we cultivate hearts of thanksgiving, we become more aware of God’s hand at work, even in the mundane or challenging moments. In giving thanks, we affirm that everything we have and experience is a gift from a loving Father.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to be grateful people. May the songs of faith always rise in our hearts because we can always give you thanks for something. May worshiping you always be our top priority. May the world see in us joyful people who don’t complain but always worship. Amen.

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