Shout Joyfully to God!

“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, ​sing praise to the glory of his name; ​proclaim his glorious praise.” Psalm 66:1-2

Some days it is very hard going to praise the Lord. There is so much heartbreaking news and an unending list of people to pray for. A mother died in the hospital tent gasping for breath in front of her daughter. A very young child in mental anguish. Caregivers trying to commit suicide in the ER. Just the other day we were praying for a brother in Christ to be able to get a room in a hospital. Then when a room was available, we prayed for an ambulance and of course, all the while we were praying for healing.  Only to be told he passed away. I cannot imagine what his wife and family are going through. 

But beyond the veil, I know there is much rejoicing. He has run the race, fixing his eyes on Jesus. He can claim with Saint Paul that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). He has graduated with honors. He will receive his reward in heaven for all his selfless work for our community and for the many underprivileged people he loved to serve. That is something we can celebrate and thank God for! Eternity awaits us when we follow Jesus, the One who loved us enough to die for us, so that we might live forever! Hallelujah! Praise His mighty name!