May my lips overflow with praise. (Ps. 119:171)
The scene on television caused tears to well up in my eyes. The newscaster was reporting about Russian forces pushing their way into Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. The scenes of destruction, caused by bombing and shooting, were heartbreaking to see. To protect themselves, Ukrainian citizens took shelter under the city’s streets—some in metro-subway stations and others in basements.
While taking refuge underground, many of these “hidden” Ukrainians spent time singing for comfort, courage, and encouragement. One of the news video clips showed Ukrainians jam-packed in an underground shelter. They were singing, accompanied by a young woman playing her guitar, and waving their phone lights in the air. Another clip showed Ukrainians singing praises to Jesus Christ while sheltered in a subway station.
There have been times when I have taken opportunities to worship God for granted. In a country like the United States, where we have freedom to worship, it is easy to do this. While in church that Sunday, when the worship team invited us to stand and sing, I thought to myself, “I get to do this! What a privilege!”
I made the decision that I was not going to just mouth the words of the songs. Instead, I determined to focus on the words with intentionality. I wanted God to be pleased. With more zeal than normal, I sang out praises to him!
Determine to take and fully engage in opportunities to praise the Lord!
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
