Daily Devotionals
July 3, 2017
Praise Daily Reading
July 3, 2017
Daily Reading
This week’s sermon text: Exodus 20:8-11
Field Notes
Happiness depends upon events that happen such as jokes, celebrations, and victories. When the event is over, the happiness fades.
Joy comes from a relationship. No matter what happens to us, we still have each other. Thus, while totally blind, Fanny Crosby could write, “Blessed assurance Jesus is mine. . . Praising my savior all the day long.”
A friend, with seven brothers and sisters, asked his mother, “Mom, while we were growing up during the Depression, we were worst than poor. We had nothing. Yet, you sang praises to God all the time. How could you do that?”
“Son,” she replied, “I praised God for what I had. I praised God for each of you. I praised God for the one slice of bread we split eight ways. I praised God when our car broke down. I praised God for everything good and bad. When I got finished praising God, there was no depression.”
Psalms 47 encourages us to shout to God praises of joy. Even psychologists observe that when people intentionally praise God no matter the circumstances, the joy from their relationship with God provides strength. As Nehemiah said (8:10), “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Questions for the Field
- What might you pause and praise God for right now?
- Try praising God for things that give you both joy and happiness.
Family Field Talk
- What are some things God gives that provide happiness?
- What relationships give you joy?
Prayer Guide
Lord, Jesus, please help me to praise you all day long. Even if everything goes bad today, I will not let it destroy the good you provide. Lord, I know you are here with me. So, please transform the entire day, the good and the bad, into a day of praise and joy! In your gracious name I pray. Amen.