In the last post, we talked about what constitutes a proper memorial for a Christian. We know that we have the privilege to remember all that God has done for us and then celebrate, rejoice and give thanksgiving to the Lord for his goodness and provision. And this should be an ongoing practice for all of us who are born again. Today’s battles are tomorrow’s victories and the next day’s rejoicing. But what comes next? Because I assure you, there is still more to do!
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders. Psalm 9:1 (NASB)
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion;
Declare among the peoples His deeds. Psalm 9:11 (NASB)
That I may tell of all Your praises,
That in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in Your salvation. Psalm 9:14 (NASB)
Notice how David, in Psalm 9, links praise with declaration. In the three verses above, praising God is always accompanied by telling someone else about what God has done for him. And so it should be with us! We should rejoice privately, absolutely, but we also need to be rejoicing publicly and making sure that those around us know how blessed we are to be children of the most high God.
In verse 1 of chapter 9, David says he will “tell of all your wonders”. In verse 11, he says he will “declare among the peoples His deeds. And in verse 14 he says “that I may tell of all your praises”. Clearly, David was so enthusiastic about what God was doing that He had to go and tell someone else. I wonder, do we have that same level of enthusiasm when it comes to telling others about the goodness of the Lord? Are we excited about the prospect of encouraging someone else with our stories of God’s victories over our troubles and strife?
I truly believe that one of the greatest tragedies in modern America is the relative silence of so many of God’s children. We enjoy His blessings and we rest secure in His salvation but never share His goodness with those who need it most. We see the lost and the hopeless all around us but allow them to continue on their way, never introducing them to the God who makes all things new. We have been given the keys to the kingdom of God and are assured of every spiritual blessing but so often seem to be more interested in stockpiling and hoarding than dispersing and sharing. (And by the way, the fastest way to rid yourself of many of God’s blessings is to try to keep them to yourself instead of using them to bless others. Blessings are always meant to be shared!)
Let me conclude this by saying that God has gifted each one of His children in a unique way. Some of us are artistic, others are builders and still others can teach or sing. These gifts are often our best vehicle for sharing the good news with others. If you are a quiet and shy person like I am then you will be glad to know that you can share your faith with others in more ways than just words alone. As long as you are committed to sharing your faith and allowing God’s blessings to be channeled through you to others then God will give you opportunities to do what you do best under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Take heart, God can use even you. (I know, because if He can use me then He can most certainly use you!)