Do you ever say, “I don’t feel like praising or worshipping God”? Does it sometimes seem like God hasn’t been truthful with you, or has let you down? Do you ever feel like he’s abandoned you?
If so, maybe you need to drink from a different fountain.
What do I mean?
All around us are “fountains”; reservoirs of happiness, entertainment, gratification, and pleasure. And they help get our mind off the problems we face, at least for a while. But they are only temporary, at best. At worst, they will leave us completely, hopelessly, lost.
But they’re readily available and give us pleasure; so we drink.
How does one “drink”? By the words we speak, and our corresponding actions.
What if you decided to drink from a different fountain?
Isaiah received a word from God regarding the remnant of Jews who were still faithful to God, in spite of their captivity. The prophet told the remnant that God promised to do whatever it took to get them released from Assyria, and back in their homeland. Then Isaiah told them, as a result of God’s actions, they would sing; they would drink deeply from the fountain of salvation.
In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord , for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.” (Isaiah 12:1-6 NLT)
Proverbs says, “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:23 NKJV)
Drinking from the “fountain of salvation” is accomplished using the same process one would use to drink from the “world’s” fountain. By the words we speak (or sing), and our corresponding actions.
The next time you feel like God has abandoned you, take a tip from Isaiah. Remember what God DID to set you free and bring you into his kingdom. Begin to remind yourself, out loud! Joy is the strength you need, and it will rise up within you as you make yourself praise and thank God!
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NLT)
It’s called a “sacrifice” for a reason.
Jan Grace 