Choirs of Praise

Choirs of Praise reminds us to celebrate God’s goodness with joyful unity—lifting our voices in thanksgiving both privately and corporately.

“To praise and give thanks, as prescribed by David the man of God … they sought out the Levites from all their places … so that they could celebrate the dedication with joy, with songs of thanksgiving.”—Nehemiah 12:24–27 NASB

To mark the completion of the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah organized a great celebration. Two choirs were formed, and musicians even played on the very instruments used by David four centuries earlier.

We know that this event required enormous planning, for the Bible provides numerous details. What was the result? There was a mighty sound when “they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, and the women and children rejoiced as well, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from far away” (v. 43).

The Bible tells us that our lives are to be filled with praise and thanksgiving. We need to be so conscious of God’s presence that we praise Him spontaneously in the midst of any situation, at any time. As David wrote, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). We can give thanks and worship Him aloud, as well as silently in our hearts.

But there also are times when we need to gather as the people of God for special celebrations like the one that took place during the time of Nehemiah to praise Him with a united voice … loudly and with choirs and instruments.

Today, let your life be filled with praise and worship. Be thankful to God for all that He’s done. Be eager for opportunities to join with others to praise Him and celebrate!

Reflection Question: When was the last time you joined others to praise God joyfully?