After the resurrection, the disciples of Jesus waited for the full revelation of what new life in Christ would look like. It takes strength and courage to look into the unknown and trust that God truly plans to give us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). In these days after Easter, I am learning how the practice of praising God keeps my heart attune to power of the resurrection.
Lately the praise song Wonderful Merciful Savior by Phillips, Craig and Dean has given me strength and courage. Here are the words:
Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men
Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way
[Chorus]
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for
Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we’re falling before Your throne
There is something special about praising the name of the Lord. A new sense of hope is resurrected within my soul. Perhaps that is why the psalmist tells us to praise the name of the Lord.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord. (Psalm 148:13, 14 NIV)
Thanks be to God…Amen and amen!
Come Learn Rest Ministries 