"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.." - Luke 1:64
This scripture was brought to my attention a couple months back when visiting family for Christmas. As a tradition, we always read Luke 2 before we enjoy celebrating with one another. This year, my older brother spoke of this scripture first.
At first, I wondered where he was going with this. It seemed odd to talk about John's birth instead of Jesus' birth at Christmas. He read the story and brought a different sort of message, but as he read the passage, this was the verse that stuck out to me. I told him that evening that I'd be blogging about this verse, even though I didn't plan on it taking practically 2 months to settle down for long enough to write it.
Let's read it again.
"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.." - Luke 1:64
I was immediately convicted. Zacharias had gone a long time without being able to speak. Can you imagine all the things you'd have to say if you were unable to speak for approximately 9 months? There would most likely be a list the size of Texas if you're anything like me.
Then I wondered again, "What would my first words be?" I'd like to think they'd be as Zacharias, praising God. However, I'm not completely sure that's true on a day-to-day basis. Some days, I know there's not a whole lot of positivity that comes out of my mouth. We become discouraged by the events of the day or grow tired with what seems to be the mundane. Other days, I'm determined to focus on the blessings in life, of which there are many.
I want my heart to be focused on praising God... all the time. No matter the circumstances.
After all, the Maker of heaven and earth deserves it.
"O Lord, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isa. 25:1
"I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever." Psalm 145:1
This scripture was brought to my attention a couple months back when visiting family for Christmas. As a tradition, we always read Luke 2 before we enjoy celebrating with one another. This year, my older brother spoke of this scripture first.
At first, I wondered where he was going with this. It seemed odd to talk about John's birth instead of Jesus' birth at Christmas. He read the story and brought a different sort of message, but as he read the passage, this was the verse that stuck out to me. I told him that evening that I'd be blogging about this verse, even though I didn't plan on it taking practically 2 months to settle down for long enough to write it.
Let's read it again.
"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.." - Luke 1:64
I was immediately convicted. Zacharias had gone a long time without being able to speak. Can you imagine all the things you'd have to say if you were unable to speak for approximately 9 months? There would most likely be a list the size of Texas if you're anything like me.
Then I wondered again, "What would my first words be?" I'd like to think they'd be as Zacharias, praising God. However, I'm not completely sure that's true on a day-to-day basis. Some days, I know there's not a whole lot of positivity that comes out of my mouth. We become discouraged by the events of the day or grow tired with what seems to be the mundane. Other days, I'm determined to focus on the blessings in life, of which there are many.
I want my heart to be focused on praising God... all the time. No matter the circumstances.
After all, the Maker of heaven and earth deserves it.
"O Lord, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isa. 25:1
"I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever." Psalm 145:1