I will sing unto the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously…  (Exodus 15:1)

I am still overwhelmed by the events of last night. It was cold. The Panthers were playing the NFL Wild Card Playoff game on television. It was Sunday night. And yet, more people gathered in our Fellowship Hall than I had ever seen there before. Most of our folks showed up for the first of my annual encouragement/report/direction times that I call “Refocus.”

It was not just the size of the crowd, however, that overwhelmed me last night. I was overwhelmed at the goodness of God to First Baptist Concord. As I called our folks to celebrate what the Lord had done, the bigness of the moment moved me.

God has preserved His people through some difficult days. He strengthened their unity and fellowship. He has invested in them a desperation and hunger for Him and His activity. He has met every need with remains leftover. Indeed, He is good and greatly to be praised!

As I have thought deeply about the happenings of last night and the activities that culminated then, I was reminded that when God delivers we ought to celebrate in worship and praise. The quote above began the song that Moses sang after God delivered the people through the Red Sea. David and Solomon praised the LORD when He acted in salvation. The angels sang the good news in Bethlehem, and the Redeemed will sing throughout eternity.

So, let’s remember to praise the LORD as He continues to strengthen, provide, and equip us as His church. We will never “repay” the LORD for His goodness, and we shouldn’t try. BUT, He deserves all glory and praise and worship, and in His grace we can give those to Him. So, come, glorify God with me…and let’s be overwhelmed together.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. (Rev. 4:11)

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! (Rev. 5:12-13)