Day 16 – While by My Sheep
Reen, my husband, was recently in a car accident that totaled his car. He was unharmed. I thanked God with a full heart of relief when I learned he was unharmed, but truly praised Him when I saw the devastation with my own eyes. If you could see a photo of the car, you would know it was nothing short of a miracle that he was fine. The entire front end of the car was a tangled, mutilated heap of metal.
When was the last time you praised the Lord and truly meant it? I hope we never let that phrase become a rote expression. God is moving and working among us every day “His wonders to perform,” and if we stay alert to His presence, we will see His miracles. Each day God answers prayer, solves problems, forgives sin, heals the sickness, protects, cares, encourages, and strengthens. Do we praise Him throughout the day when we see Him at work?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, “Praise be to God” is a phrase that expresses happiness or relief at an event that did or did not happen. The shepherds in this carol praise the Lord with great joy! Let’s join them today!
While by the sheep we watched at night,
glad tidings brought an angel bright.
Refrain:
How great our joy!
Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
There shall be born, so he did say,
in Bethlehem a child today. [Refrain]
There shall the child lie in a stall,
this child who shall redeem us all. [Refrain]
This gift of God we’ll cherish well,
that ever joy our hearts shall fill. [Refrain]
“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. (Nehemiah 9:5)
“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!”
(Psalm 18:46)
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 41:13)
