"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1
There are things that we do because we must do them. There are things we do because we enjoy them. And occasionally we do things because, in the moment, it seems the most appropriate response. This past week, we have seen some beautiful sunsets. I go out, look up to the western hills, and am amazed at the beauty of God's creation. I admire His handiwork and praise His creativity.
Do you ever find that words of praise to God come out of your mouth because it is the most appropriate response to God's goodness? Do you ever find yourself saying, "Praise the Lord!" to a co-worker that you know is not a Christian? The words come out because God's praise is continually in your mouth not because of some thought as to how it will sound. And when you have a chance to publicly offer praise to the Lord, is it a natural thing to do? Do you delight to give God His appropriate honor and glory? Praise should be something we do because it is natural. His praise should continually be in our mouths.
God has been very good to us. We have a tendency to focus on the negative and notice all the things that we lack rather than to see all the gifts that God has given us.
When we experience the vanity that is life without God, do we return to the God who loves us?
Rest comes from rejecting responsibilities that God does not intend for us and accepting God's yoke for us.
The answer to America's social ills is God's grace and Christian love.