One big “hallelujah!” from head to toe

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Lighten up a little”

Our Bible verse for today: “Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “One big ‘hallelujah!’ from head to toe”

I once heard it said that “The Christian should be one big “hallelujah!” from head to toe!” It’s true. Nobody has more to be grateful for than the Christian. Your sins have been forgiven; you have the Holy Spirit of God living in your heart; you have a loving Father in heaven who is always looking out for you and who is committed to meeting your needs; you get to experience the Fruit of the Spirit in your life in increasing measure; and, when this life is over, you have a wonderful eternal home waiting for you.

Yes, the Christian should be one big “hallelujah!” from head to toe!

I love the scene depicted in Psalm 126. It is known as “A song of ascents”. It was sung by the Israelites as they marched up to Jerusalem to worship. Jerusalem sat on a hill, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “a city on a hill”. As that large throng of Israelites ascended the hill, with the city of Jerusalem in sight above them, they were laughing, singing, rejoicing, and calling out praises to God. It was a great scene of joy.

In a previous devotional I shared with you my favorite commentary on the book of Philippians (The Epistle of Joy). It was written by Chuck Swindoll, and the title is “Laugh Again”. The emphasis is on “again”. The implication is that long ago we stopped laughing enough. The joy of life drained away and many of us simply resorted to getting through our days.

May I politely suggest that you knock it off? To borrow a phrase from Sergeant Hulka in the movie Meatballs, “Lighten up, Francis!” Life is not as hard as some people make it out to be. Go back and read the previous devotional about the 80/20 rule. You have been blessed beyond measure and there is much more that is good in your life than bad. Life is meant to be enjoyed not just endured. There is plenty to be thankful for and happy about. And there are lots of reasons to laugh and be joyful.

Did you hear about the little boy who was invited to say the blessing at his family’s Thanksgiving dinner? He thanked God for his mother, father, brothers and sisters. He thanked God for their guests, and for the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and even for the Cool Whip. Then there was an extended silence until finally the mother looked up and saw the boy with his eyes open, looking at her, and in obvious distress. He whispered to her, “Mom, if I thank God for the broccoli won’t He know I’m lying?” Everyone at the table burst out laughing and they all agreed it was the best Thanksgiving prayer any of them had ever heard.

There is more that is good in your life than there is that is bad. Make it a point today to look for things to be grateful for and happy about. And laugh. Laugh at lot. Go ahead and be one big “hallelujah” from head to toe!

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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