Shouting For Joy

I will praise you with music on the harp,

because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.

I will sing praises to you with a lyre,

O Holy One of Israel.

I will shout for joy and sing your praises,

for you have ransomed me.

I will tell about your righteous deeds

all day long,

for everyone who tried to hurt me

has been shamed and humiliated.

Psalm 71:22-24

“I will shout for joy and sing your praises.” Do these sound like the words of an elderly man? The author of this prayer describes himself as “old and gray” (Psalm 71:18). Yet after surveying his life in prayer, this elderly person was filled with joy. He sang God’s praises for everything God had done for him. The Lord had ransomed him and brought him through all the troubles of his life, and he promised to tell others about God’s righteous deeds as long as he lived.

Too often, we find ourselves praying hesitant prayers and singing small praises to God. Let the psalmist’s enthusiasm inspire you to offer your own praises to God and resolve to tell others about the Lord’s wonderful deeds.

• Dear Lord, I will shout for joy and sing your praises today . . .