Raptures of Delight

Watching little kids perform on stage at school or at church is the best, isn’t it? There are always a couple of shy violets, but many of them sing their hearts out, fidgeting with excitement and performing actions to accompany the songs with gusto.

If Grammy awards were doled out based on sheer enthusiasm, kids in elementary and Sunday School programs would win every year. They simply can’t contain the feelings in their hearts when it’s time to make a joyful noise.

Psalm 111:1 says, "Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart…”

The word “extol” means to praise enthusiastically; to go into raptures about, to rave about, to delight over, or to sing the praises of. Imagine if every time we thought about our great God, we fell into raptures of delight — the same way those boisterous kids do when they break into song. Now that would be something to see!

Let’s pray.

God, you are worthy of our gratitude, our admiration, and our praise. Thank you for every good thing in our lives, and remind us to bring every ounce of joy to our praise for you. Amen.