I heard a story the other day that was a great reminder of a vital, foundational truth.
A pastor and a professional hunter were out hunting in the bush. All dressed in camoflauge with painted faces, they waited for their prized game to appear. They waited many, many hours without any sign of the target in sight.
The hunter then started to make a strange noise and proceeded to tell the pastor to get his rifle ready. He did that a few times, continually reminding the pastor to be ready and then as if without warning, the target appeared and the shot was taken.
The pastor really curious about the technique asked the hunter. He replied that the sound he made was of a struggling prey, caught in a trap. Something the predator would have been attracted to.
Wow! What a revelation. The sound we make will either attract trouble or tranquility: God’s presence or the enemy’s fear.
We read something powerful in Isaiah 52. The opening words are an instruction, a proclamation to “awake.” The chapter continues by advising us to put on strength and beautiful garments. The scriptures are clear that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that we should put on the garments of praise.
These attributes are sounds of victory that attract God, not the enemy.
It is a foundational truth that is hyperlinked throughout scripture. Thanksgiving and praise is the sound of heaven and victory, whereas groaning and complaining are the sound of hell and defeat. So be encouraged to take note of what comes out of your mouth. It is a reflection of the state of our heart, our belief system.
What can we do to change the state of our heart?
First, focus on the goodness, faithfulness, and grace of God. The Psalms encourage us to shout (praise) to the Lord and to call upon the name of the Lord in times of need.
Secondly, build a routine of thanksgiving into your daily life: morning, midday, and night. Give thanks for at least ten people and ten things in your life. Name them. When a person practices thanksgiving, our brain releases “feel-good” neurochemicals, primarily dopamine and serotonin. Even on a biological level, the sound we release brings a sense of happiness.
There is a way to live and experience God’s success, irrespective of circumstances.
Give thanks and praise to the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ. The One who has destined us for a hopeful future.
■ Emmanuel Archontakis of the Kingdom Ministeries in Welkom.
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