Devotion
Psalm 47
As a child taking piano lessons, I was very timid. Some children attack the piano, banging as loudly as they can, and have to be taught to play softly. Not me. I always had to be coached to play louder and more confidently. As I progressed through different piano teachers, choral instructors, and band directors, I began to hear one phrase over and over. “If you’re going to make a mistake, make a big one.” In other words, play (or sing) boldly, with confidence, as if everything will be perfect. Many times, the confidence helps eliminate the mistakes, and even if it doesn’t, the audience would rather hear music performed with passion and emotion (and a few missed notes) than a timid, hesitant, although technically correct, performance.
God, as the audience for our lives, is no different. He wants to see lives lived with passion, emotion, and risk-taking for His kingdom. Psalm 47 tells us: “Shout to God with loud songs of joy.” God wants to hear our noise, our mistakes, our wrong notes. Don’t be timid. Shout! Sing loud songs. Proclaim His name and His love boldly! Sing and shout with joy. We have so much to be thankful for! Let’s put smiles on our faces, and laughter in our voices as we share His good news with others.
And the best part is this: God doesn’t make mistakes. Through Him, all our wrong notes are made right. Our mess-ups can ultimately be used, through Him, for good purposes. To paraphrase all good music teachers, “When you praise God, praise big!” Praise Him loudly, boldly, and with confidence. There will be no mistakes!
Prayer: (read loudly, with a smile on your face) Most High God, we praise your name with confidence. We thank you for the hundreds of blessings you shower upon us each day. Help us to share our joy and confidence with others who don’t know you yet. ALLELUIA! AMEN!
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