Looking Beyond in Joyful Praise

Have you ever been stuck in your circumstances? In one set of circumstances we are distressed, while in another set, we are ecstatic. Sometimes the best way to get beyond current circumstances, be they positive or negative, is to look beyond in joyful praise. In her frustration Hannah prayed for a son and when God granted her request, she said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord’” (1 Samuel 2:1). She looked beyond the gift, and praised the Giver. After describing his enemies, David said: “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord. It shall rejoice . . .” (Psalm 35:9). The Psalmist looked beyond the skirmish, and praised the Savior. When told she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary sang: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46). Mary looked beyond the miracle, and praised the Master. How do you get beyond today’s circumstances, be they good or not so good? You look joyfully to Jesus.

Join me this week in praying for the following global requests:
• Pray for missionaries in Amsterdam as they distribute Gospels of John to over 18,000 people living in 7,500 homes.
• Pray for Patricia as she adjusts from years in Cameroon, to life in Texas.
• Pray for T & E as they continue to learn a very difficult language in order to minister effectively is a highly secure location.
• Pray for Craig and his Gospel conversations among the 65,000 people who study and work in the University of British Columbia community of Canada.