When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshipped.

Revelation 5:8-14

While we may see normal days of activities on earth, our friends and loved ones who have gone before us are singing eternal praises to God. Much of our lives are spent going from joy to sadness and back and forth. When we are faced with that sadness, turn it around and know that when we go to heaven, there will be joy again, and this time it will be forever.

We need the glimpses of a promise-filled future in our Savior’s presence. In the sadness of life, we need the anticipation of joy – the joy that comes from singing of God’s love and enjoying His presence forever.

Those who know Christ now

will sing His praises forever.

Our Daily Bread – February 24, 2005