Make Known What He Has Done

Good morning. Today we are in Isaiah 12, and these six verses are just filled with joy.

They actually should be a song.

And I have been trying to sing it without musical accompaniment, so it makes it a little bit harder, but man, have I enjoyed just putting these words into something lyrical.

There's just something special about singing worship and praise music to God, and it's not about what I'm—but it's all about what He has done, who He is.

And I just, I love that.

I love when the praise and worship focuses in on Him and His amazing works.

My favorite verses from this—because I loved all six—but my favorite, favorite are verses 2 and 4:

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."

"On that day you will say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.'"

Make known His deeds.

Don't hide them.

Don't store them up only for you, but make them known among the people. Make them remember that His name is exalted.

I once had someone tell me that what God did for them was just between them and not something to be shared.

And I remember walking away from that conversation going, "I don't—I understand."

I understand when you've walked through something uncomfortable and being maybe afraid to share it, afraid that your story is too hard, too painful, too whatever, and that talking about it may just, you know, share these bad things.

But honestly, when we share a testimony, it's about what God has done.

It's not about who we are, but who He is.

And I just think that that's something that's important to remember.

If we are concerned about our testimony because of how it makes us look, our focus isn't on the right thing.

And that's what this really made me think.

Here in Isaiah 12, Israel had done horrible things. They had seriously walked away from God.

And yet the remnant turned to Him and said:

"I will give thanks to You because although You were angry with me, Your anger is now turned away, and You comfort me."

I don't know. My dad gives the best hugs on the face of the earth, and they are the most comforting thing.

Anytime I am feeling stressed or really just struggling and I don't have anybody around to give me one, I will think about my dad's hugs and the comfort that they have brought me.

And then I stop and I wonder about the God of the universe and Him giving me a hug.

I can only imagine the comfort that I would find there.

And then in verse 6, it says:

"Rejoice and shout for joy."

So often when we worship, it is reserved. It is quiet. It is mellow.

And then I think about David, who was so full of joy for the Lord that he literally danced himself out of his clothes.

And I wonder if sometimes, just like being obedient to God is uncomfortable—it stretches us, it grows us, it puts us in positions that we are not expecting and are not comfortable with—I wonder if sometimes our praise should be the same.

I wonder if our praise should be loud enough that it makes us uncomfortable.

That it should be so joy-filled that eventually worshiping Him takes over, and that discomfort turns into comfort as our focus changes from us and how we're feeling to Him and who He is and what He's doing and what He has done.

Oh, that we would make what He has done known.

For He alone is worthy of praise and worship and being exalted.

What was your favorite part?

Do you think you might try to sing chapter 12?

Oh, dear Heavenly Father, Lord, I thank You for today.

Thank You for the reminder to rejoice and worship in You, to sing Your praises, share what You have done even when it makes us uncomfortable, so that we can remember where our focus should be.

Oh Lord, I just ask that You'd be with us today as we go out and do the things that You've asked us to do, that we can be present with the people in front of us, that we can honor You with our actions, our words, and our deeds, and that we may take some time today to stop and worship You.

For You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and worthy of our praise.

Oh, dear Heavenly Father, it is in the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me today as we wander through God's Word with wonder.

"Praise the Lord in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth. Rejoice and shout for joy."