I Will Shout And Sing
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are on my side, You are by my side and You are my strength on the inside. Thank You, Lord.
Read ISAIAH 12
In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, Lord.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say:
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Holy: this word is the little boat in which I reach the world’s end in the ocean of language. I worship You, holy Lord.
Think Further
I read this short chapter twice, savoring every word. Then, if my circumstances allow, I shout and sing a song of praise. Lord, in the coming year, fill my heart, my home, my congregation with music and song, in all seasons, for you are worthy to be praised (Psa. 89:15, ESV).
Alec Motyer entitles Isaiah 6–12 “The Triumph of Grace.” I pass in review my previous ten days’ readings over this Christmas period, the darkness and the delight, the devastations and the promises. I thank God that “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” I remember the last words of John Bunyan’s Mr. Honest: “Grace Reigns!” (Pilgrim’s Progress, Part II, end; cf. Rom 5:21). I am reminded that in the ancient world—and for many people still today—drawing water (3) was a daily task. I resolve to return daily in the coming year to draw water from the wells of salvation. In the face of whatever trials I may have to face or may be already facing, I will learn again and again to look through and beyond my trials and struggles and anxieties, praying a prayer of affirmation: “I will trust and not be afraid… you Lord are my strength, my song, my salvation” (Robert Warren).
I return to verse 4, “Proclaim that his name is exalted”—or “Spread the news of his great reputation!” (The Message). In a world where the reputations of many celebrities are tarnished I will do all I can to spread the news of the Trustworthy One.
Apply
When have you most keenly felt God’s anger? God’s goodness?
Closing prayer
Lord, I praise You: “I will arise and give thanks to You, Lord my God / and Your name I will bless with my whole heart / You have shown mercy… to me” (Brian Thiessen).
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