Being content

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! (Psalm 98:4-6 ESV)

As we head into the holiday weekend here in the US, this verse reminds us of the importance of praising our Lord and Savior. This is not just telling us to go to church, but instead to participate in church.

Growing up I was always very self conscious about my singing ability. I played guitar on the alter for folk services and I always remember the group leader encouraging me to sing. I never would. It was not until I met my gift from God, my wife, that I realized it wasn't important what I sounded like. You see, we are all perfect in God's eyes because He sees us through Jesus. He does not see our sin as they have been paid for and wiped away in our faith.

I decided to take this even further, and today's reference passage really sums it up. When I sing praises to God,  whether sitting in the front pew at church, driving in my car and singing along with Shine-FM, or at home just singing the words to my favorite Christian songs, He hears perfection, for He created me to be exactly who I am. When I was holding back and not sharing this gift of who I am, I most certainly was not letting others know how special God  made me.

This can be said about anything that we may not do because we don't think we are good enough, or if we worry about what others might think.

Remember that God made each of us uniquely special and we bring Him joy when we appreciate that and show others the happiness that is had with contentment.

God bless!