When I was a little girl and did something that I knew would displease my parents, I tried to avoid them so they wouldn’t see the guilt on my face (I could never hide what I was feeling…). Those times of hiding away were awful because I loved my mom and dad, and I wanted to be with them. Conversely, when I obeyed and behaved appropriately, I had no reason to try to escape their presence. That was the joyful time for me. Praise sings through our hearts when we are in right relationship with God. We’re in right relationship with God when our conscience is clear. Our conscience is clear when we’ve learned to follow His ways instead of striving to please self. Do you see how it comes around? Praise springs from an upright heart that is committed to seeking His ways.
You May Also Like
Wise friendships
A few years ago, my Sunday school class discussed how we can stand for right in a world that celebrates wrong. One of the younger members said, “Find friends who believe like you do.” Sound advice. It’s so much easier to be pulled down than it is to pull someone…
Proclaim His truth
Oh, if only people hurried to do what He asks of us. No hesitation, no wondering if it’ll lead to ridicule or persecution, but simple obedience based on trust and respect. We live in a culture that creates hesitation when it comes to standing up for God and His commands.…
Hymn day: “Shepherd of Love”
HYMN DAY! John W. Peterson was a very prolific song-writer, and “Shepherd of Love” is one of my favorites. The words are so encouraging! Our Shepherd is always waiting and willing to welcome us into the fold. (The second verse might be new to you.) Verse 1 Shepherd of love…

