“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.”
— Psalm 108:1-6

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“The Sound of Praise”
By Jennifer Kane

My heart goes on; the music continues,
My soul sings to you here in the waking.
I rise with praise echoing in heart and mind—
Can you hear it, my Lord?
My spirit hums with the sound of worship.

Let my praise stir the souls around me;
Let the air here below be so thick with adoration
That it outstrips even the breath we breathe.

Your faithfulness stretches farther than the universe’s edge,
Beyond the expansion of the heavens.
In your might, you reach my heart,
Saving me with favor’s gentle hand.

So save me with your love—
Hold me close in your presence,
As I wait, remember, and grow aware
Of your unending love and faithfulness.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy.

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In Psalm 108, David proclaims his steadfast heart—a heart set firmly on God in praise, regardless of his circumstances. His song isn’t driven by perfect circumstances but by a fierce determination to exalt God above all. Instead of focusing on his needs, he sings out with his entire being, greeting the dawn with worship. David’s praise isn’t passive; it’s an active, wholehearted offering.

David invites us to do the same. We are reminded to “awaken the dawn” with our worship, putting God first, even before the day’s demands. What if we all began our mornings like this—with the kind of praise that has the power to change our perspective, filling us with trust and joy?

David’s praise isn’t meant to be hidden; he worships “among the peoples” as a testament to God’s greatness. This kind of bold worship declares God’s vast mercy and truth, which “reach to the skies.” David shows us that God deserves not only our worship but our very best.

As David continues, he shifts from praise to a humble call for deliverance: “Save us and help us with your right hand.” This prayer is rooted in assurance—David knows he’s deeply loved by God. “Beloved” is embedded in his very name, and so he calls out, confident of God’s heart toward him. In the same way, we are called to approach God with full assurance that we, too, are His beloved, precious in His sight.

What challenges do you face in keeping a “steadfast” heart? How can you bring those to God as an offering of trust?

What gifts or “glory” has God given you that you can use in worship? How can you bring Him your best?

How might you make your praise known, encouraging others with God’s mercy and truth?

When you pray, do you come to God as His beloved child? How does this change the way you approach Him?

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Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that seeks to be steadfast in praise. Help me to worship You with my whole being, bringing You the best of my gifts, time, and heart. Let my praise awaken each new day, setting my heart on Your faithfulness and love. Remind me of Your boundless mercy and truth, and let me share it with those around me. When I face challenges, let my praise turn to prayer, rooted in the assurance that I am Your beloved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November 8 2024