Singing Praises

Born around 1181 in central Italy, Francis of Assisi was the son of a cloth merchant. In his early 20s, he made a radical commitment to serve God, dedicating his life to solitude, prayer, and the Gospel.

Others began to see significant change. He was different! What was his secret? One colleague observed that Francis “strove to bend his own will to the will of God.” He would not allow anything to change that focus. Francis discovered that many people had a formal religion but not a personal relationship with God. They did not realize the transforming power for those who serve Him with joy and praise.

In her biography about Francis, Linda Francke tells of a day in 1206. He was walking in central Italy, “singing praises to the Lord,” when he was jumped by thieves. When they demanded to know who he was, he replied, “I am the herald of the great King!”

They beat him, took his cloak, and threw him into a ditch. When he climbed out, he was “exhilarated” and filled “with great joy.” He returned to his journey, “singing loud praises to the Lord.” Nothing could stop him from praising God!

Don’t allow circumstances to make you discouraged or steal your joy. Start praising God! Praise Him with your words. Praise Him in song. Praise Him with familiar Christmas carols. Praise Him with everything you do! Trust Him to give you victory and joy!