Choose to Rejoice
ICS Daily Devotions

Psalm 121:1-3 (NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills– from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Vibrant Praise is a declaration of faith in God. It is singing out of our heart’s conviction regarding the God whom we worship. It is placing your faith in the maker of heaven and earth. It reminds us that He is the maker of all flesh and there is nothing too difficult for Him. We are also reminded that His love for us will never change and nothing in this world will ever separate His love from us. We sing out of our convictions who God is, His goodness, faithfulness, and victory.

The word “rejoice” in Hebrew means “to circle in joy”, and refers to vigorous, enthusiastic expressions of joy, including to spin round. Praise helps us to shift our focus away from our problems and turn it towards God. This is what the Word of God says for those who walk by faith: the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It is a choice to vibrantly praise God, to express joy vigorously and enthusiastically, and even dance with joy despite the negativity surrounding us.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Therefore, people of faith are not moved by their circumstances, but they are convinced and anchored in the Word. Rather than looking at the present, the circumstances, the facts and the things that speak to us loudly how difficult our situation is, we should choose to look up to God, praise and rejoice in Him instead of allowing our circumstances to steal our joy, peace and faith in God.

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

So how does vigorously, enthusiastically, and intentionally praising God looks like? We lift our hands. Don’t inhibited by what people around you might think because you are worshipping the Lord, and never think that you are unworthy to lift up your hands because God sees you in Christ.

1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV) I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Psalm 98:4-6 (NIV) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Shout for joy! Clap your hands! Use your voice to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and praise Him with songs. If you cannot play an instrument, your vocal cord is a natural instrument to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. You may not feel comfortable initially, but you will soon get used to it. Lastly, we praise God with joyful dance.

Psalm 30:11 (NIV) You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Sermon Series: ICS Worship Culture