Do they know your Lord delivered you?
Psalms 126:1-2
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
One powerful way to share the good news about Jesus is through our actions and reactions, not just in church or small groups. Traditionally, we talk about Jesus and what the Bible says about salvation. But Psalms 126 shows a different, effective way to spread the gospel right where we live.
The Psalm begins with, "When the Lord restored our fortunes," and continues with, "Our mouths were filled with laughter and our hearts with joy." They sang songs when the Lord delivered them from captivity and performed miracles. They celebrated openly, praising God. The next verse says, "It was said among the nations that the Lord has done great things for them." This is testimony. This is how you spread the news about the Lord—through joy and praise.
When God delivers us or performs a miracle in our lives, do we celebrate? Do we fill our mouths with songs of joy so others notice? At work, are we burdened by problems or do we appear relaxed because we've prayed about it? Do our neighbors hear songs coming from our homes? How do our friends see us?
The Psalm teaches us to give glory to God when He delivers us. Jesus also said we should be the salt of the earth. This means subtly spreading the news without drawing attention to ourselves but focusing on God. Jesus said a seed must die to bring forth growth.
Today, we'll look at three instances from the Bible where people praised God, miracles happened, and others asked how they could know more.
Joshua
When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.
They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt,
We all know the story of Joshua leading the Jewish people around the walls of Jericho. On the seventh day, after seven rounds, they shouted with all their might, and the walls came tumbling down. They obeyed God's command, and the walls fell, allowing them to enter the promised land.
Later, a group of kings joined forces to fight Joshua. But the Gibeonites chose a different path—they decided to trick Joshua. They said, "We have heard what the Lord has done." They knew that when God's people obey Him, great things happen and others are subdued. Even in deceit, they acknowledged God's power.
This is how we glorify God: through obedience. When we follow God's commands, even if they seem ridiculous, miracles happen. The whole church must obey together to witness wonders beyond imagination. Our enemies will hear of these miracles and tremble.
The Gibeonites were so fearful of what God had done that they offered to serve the Jews. When we obey God's commandments fully, great things happen, sending shivers down our enemies' spines. They will come saying, "We will be your servants."
So let's praise God in unison in our churches. When we do, the walls of Jericho will fall again. Our praise will echo through the land, and even our enemies will come saying, "We will serve you." That is the power of praising God together.
Paul and Silas
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Praising God isn't just for the good times. Picture Paul and Silas, chained in a dark, cold jail cell, still lifting their voices in praise. Their worship wasn't tied to their situation. Even when life feels like a barren desert, we should still praise the Lord.
In that prison, as Paul and Silas sang, the other prisoners and jailers watched. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the ground, causing chaos. The jailer thought everyone had escaped, but Paul reassured him they were all there. Overwhelmed by the miracle, the jailer asked, "What should I do to be saved?"
If Paul and Silas had given in to despair or anger, the jailer wouldn't have asked that life-changing question. He saw their unwavering faith and knew it was the source of the miracle.
Every day, countless things can go wrong. It's easy to complain and feel defeated. But even in our darkest moments, we can choose to praise God. When miracles happen during these times, others will see and wonder about our source of strength.
Today’s church often misses this testimony. We blend in with those who mourn over economic woes or worry about inflation. We don’t show the faith we claim in Jehovah Jireh or Jehovah Nissi.
But when we worship God through our struggles and miracles occur, people will notice. They'll ask, "What should I do to be saved?" If you want to draw people to church, worship God even in your hardest times. Show them who God is through your unwavering praise.
Lame man in Acts
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
In the early chapters of Acts, there's a gripping tale of a lame man healed. Right after Jesus' resurrection, the apostles gathered in an upper room, filled with the Holy Spirit. They were brimming with confidence, having seen Jesus multiple times after His resurrection. Convinced and transformed, they headed to the synagogue.
Outside sat a lame man, begging. Likely abandoned by his family, he couldn't enter the synagogue because of his condition. If you'd asked him to dream big, he'd probably only wish for more money. Walking into the synagogue to praise God seemed impossible to him.
Then Peter commanded him to look at him. The beggar noticed something different in Peter's voice—unlike anyone else. Instead of tossing coins, Peter spoke to him and stretched out his hand. As Peter lifted him, the man was healed. Overwhelmed with joy, he shouted praises to God, probably running around and showing everyone his newfound ability. People saw him walking and praising God. They recognized him as the beggar who once sat outside.
The synagogue authorities summoned Peter and John, threatening them not to speak about Jesus or the resurrection. But Peter and John stood firm, declaring they wouldn't stop.
The authorities couldn’t act against them because of the undeniable miracle everyone had witnessed—the once-lame man now dancing and praising God. Fearing public backlash, they backed down.
This story teaches us that when we receive healing or miracles, we must praise God loudly. Our joy should be so evident that it spreads everywhere, making it impossible for authorities to silence us or harm church leaders. When God delivers us, our hearts should overflow with joy, our mouths with songs of praise. Let’s jump, scream, and shout His wonders so all can see His miracles and no one can deny them.
Let people know
I am an introvert, a shy person who avoids going out of my way to talk about Jesus. I've never started a cold conversation about Him. But if someone asks me a question, I can talk endlessly. I can share my opinions and the reasons behind them. This feels more natural to me.
When everything is gloomy and everyone is sad, I stay positive. People ask me how I do it, and I tell them it's because I believe in the Bible and Jesus. I can share examples from my life and then talk about my faith.
It's easier for me this way, and it's more convincing because they've seen the fruits of my belief. They see the results and ask about the source, and then I explain it to them. This way, I can be like salt, as Jesus says. The focus isn't on me, but I'm able to add flavor to any group I'm in—whether at work or in society. I've seen it to be effective because the conversation happens from results back to the source.
Let your heart be filled with songs. Let your tongue sing with joy, and let people see the great things the Lord has done for them.