To the Praise of His Glory

Excerpt from, "Releasing the Joy", Psalm 100: "Father, our world seems to be such a grim place. When the storms of life overwhelm us, we focus on the pain and our loss. Our stories, when the trauma has passed, always make much of the terror of our experience. Lord, work in us to change our perspective. By Your power, transform our attitude. As we acknowledge the crises through which we pass, let the events become the background against which Your loving kindness is displayed. In the foreground, let us present the glory of Your guidance and protection. Instead of tales of gloom and horror, our stories will become cause for wonder and delight. Your merciful care during the traumas of our lives leads us to shout—releasing the joy of the Lord on all the earth. As we share the miracles in our lives with those around us, we all will want to come into Your presence with singing. Our joy and rejoicing propel us to worship You in Your house. We run eagerly to the doors of the church. With reverence and thanksgiving, we sing praise to You. With joyful noise and shouts of rejoicing, we celebrate Your goodness. In gratitude and thanksgiving, we declare that You are the Lord our God. You lead us in safety as a shepherd guides his flock of sheep. We gratefully confess that we are powerless to protect ourselves—the joy of the Lord is our strength."