Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!

Not where you want to be in life?  Maybe it is time for a new song.

Psalms 96:1-3(NKJV)

1    Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!      Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2    Sing to the Lord, bless His name;     Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

3    Declare His glory among the nations,     His wonders among all peoples.

As I've written before, attitude seems to be very, very important to God.  And again, my belief is that a great attitude is an outward demonstration of our faith which we know is another really big deal to God. 

So here is something to just take note of now and then.  What is your communication with God like?  Is it continually "oh woe is me!"?  If so, that is not a demonstration of much faith.  Maybe it's time for a new song. 

"Oh come on!"  I can hear you saying.  "It can't be that simple!" 

Actually it can!  How do I know?  Because Scripture tells me so.  Romans 5:3-5 is one of my favorites (and one of my foundational verses).  Let's take a look. 

Romans 5:3-5(NKJV)

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Scripture tells us that we will go through struggles and Romans 5:3-5 tells us the purpose for the struggles and the progression the struggles are designed to produce.  What is the very first step?  Take joy in your tribulations!

Do you think "Oh woe is me" sounds like taking joy to God?

But how do you do that?  If you are in a spot in life that kind of sucks, how do you take joy in that?  I hate to sound simplistic but it is a decision.  God told you to do it so you decide to do it and you ask Gods to help you make that transition.

And then once you have asked His help in making that transition it's time for a new song.  What should that new song sound like?  Psalm 96:1-3 gives us some great guidance.

Bless His name, share the good news with others, constantly thank Him for all of the progress you have made so far and for all the progress you will continue to make.  Thank Him for all the blessings He has given you AND thank Him for whatever lesson He wants you to learn from the crap you are going through right now.  Doesn't that sound more like taking glory in your tribulations?

Now how do I know that will change your situation for the better?  From Scripture again.  Ever hear of the Parable of the Talents?  (Matthew 25:14-30 or Luke 19:12-28) Of course you have!  Those who do more with their talents and make forward progress so to speak, are rewarded with more opportunities and responsibilities. 

When God sees you make that change from Woe is Me to Thank You God!, I believe the principals of the Parable of the Talents comes into play and He will reward you with a step or to forward.  Will it get better right away and all at once?  Not necessarily.  God has to see that it is a heartfelt, true change and that takes time.  In fact things might even get a little worse before they get better just to see if you are really serious.

But it will get better.  Don't trust me on this, trust God!  He's the one who said it and I believe him.  Do you?  Then sing that new song!