HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING HIS PRAISE

        Over the years in this blog I have tried to feature the old hymns which the Lord has used in our lives for many years.  But this week I have chosen to go a slightly different direction and feature a song by Chris Tomlin which is much newer and has an excellent challenge. I made this change at the last moment based on a few recent things which have happened in my life.  First, I have been reading through the Psalms once again and I have been challenged by all the verses that talk about praising and thanking the Lord for all the wonderful things He has done.  Our praise should be an "endless song".  His love to us is so amazing. And by His grace He keeps on blessing and blessing us. But secondly, last Sunday in this blog I shared the song "Singing I Go, Along Life's Road." and I was challenged by the words to keep singing and praising the Lord as we travel along life's road. "For Jesus has lifted my load!"  With that song still ringing in my mind, that Sunday morning I went to our early worship service and the very first song that we sang was "How Can I Keep From Singing His Praise."  Wow, what a double reminder that the Lord knew I needed.  And maybe you need that reminder, too. Unfortunately, that isn't always the way we live our daily lives. I knew then that I had to change the song that I had planned to share this week. But little did I know then of the new difficult challenges that would come our way this past week.  I have been especially challenged by the words, "I can sing in the troubled times. Sing when I win. I can sing when I lose my step and fall down again.  I can sing 'cause You pick me up. Sing 'cause You're there.  I can sing 'cause You hear me Lord when I call to You in prayer. I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know, that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne."   Is that your testimony today?  If it is, how can you keep from singing His praise?  Now I know some folks have trouble carrying a tune.  Some may have voice problems and find it hard to sing.  Personally, I was involved in singing solos and singing in groups for decades, but about 15 years ago I suddenly developed voice problems.  I have seen numerous doctors and therapists who specialize in voice problems, but without much help.  And that has been frustrating.  But while I can't always sing well outwardly anymore, the Lord has allowed me to sing His praises quietly in my heart and mind.  And He continually puts a song in my mind.  What a joy it is to sing His praises even if nobody but Him can hear my songs.  Nothing should keep you from singing His praises.  Remember the words of this song, "I will lift my eyes In the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives.  And I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through, and sing the songs You give."  "Singing I go along life's road, praising the Lord, praising the Lord ... for Jesus has lifted my load."

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

And I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing.

Here are two choices to listen to this week.   LISTEN 1

Now here is a second choice which I really enjoy except that it doesn't include the part of the song that tells us when we can sing.  But it is really an upbeat presentation.   LISTEN2