Titus 2 Men And Women

[The word "remember" is used 144 times in the Bible. I find that in sickness, depression, grief, stress, difficult circumstances it is often hard to remember the reasons I can release a balloon on dark days. I have found that keeping a journal helps me to go back and experience God’s blessings again and again...even when my present circumstances are trying and cloud my thoughts. -Sharon Merhalski]

READ: 2 Samuel 22:1-8 
"I will give thanks to You, O Lord, . . . and sing praises to Your name." -2 Samuel 22:50 

The participants at a conference in a church in Nebraska were given helium-filled balloons and told to release them at a point in the worship service when they felt like expressing their joy. All through the service, balloons ascended one by one. But when the meeting was over, one-third of the people had not released their balloons. I wonder if they couldn't think of any reason to praise God.

King David would have let go of his balloon when singing his song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel 22. God had delivered him from all his enemies (v.1). Earlier, when hiding from King Saul in the rocky desert, he had learned that true security is found only in God (1 Samuel 23:25). David's heart had to "give thanks" and "sing praises," for the Lord had become David's rock, fortress, deliverer, stronghold, refuge, and Savior (2 Samuel 22:2-3,50).

What has the Lord been for you throughout your life? Your peace in a chaotic time? Your comforter amid loss? Your forgiver of a sinful choice? Your strength in a difficult task?

Take out a piece of paper and write down your list of thanks. Then take time to praise God for all He is and all He has done.

Let your balloon go!
- Anne Cetas

From your heart give God your praise
For His blessings all your days;
Lift your voice to God above-
God of mercy, God of love. -Hess
Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.

Share us with your friends: