The Power of Praise
Luke 1:46-49
“Mary said, ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.’” (NIV)
Dr. David Crawford spent his Sundays serving as a guest preacher in churches everywhere. He was a gifted preacher. I wish I could preach as well as him.
David had a particular habit for which he was best known. He would sing as loud as he could. In congregations large and small with brash organs and quiet pianos, you could hear David’s voice singing above everyone else.
However, David could not keep pitch or make melody. He was always off key and either a note ahead or behind. When people suggested that he sing a little quieter, he sang louder.
While David was a rotten singer, he was a fantastic praiser.
David said, “I come to worship to praise God, not to sing for you! I am so filled with joy and gratitude each time I come into the presence of my Lord that I can do nothing other than praise him loudly!”
Churches always invited him back to preach, despite his disruptive singing.
Mary was moved to praise not because she had been chosen, but because God had chosen to send His one and only Son to save us from our sins. For centuries God’s people had waited for God’s chosen One, the Messiah, to come. God was finally sending the Savior. Mary’s was moved to joy, so she praised Him.
When I remember the reason for our praise – rejoicing in our salvation – and when I remember my friend David and his unabashed spirit of praise, I must confess my puzzlement when Christians do not sing loudly in worship.
If you are praising God, your singing ability does not matter.
In worship praise Him loudly, you’ll be making heavenly music!
Prayer: Lord of my salvation and joy, help me to become so conscious of what you have done for us and so unconscious of my voice that in worship I will praise you loudly and make heavenly music even if I cannot sing. Amen
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