SINGING GOD SONGS

FEBRUARY 5

Psalm 26

Psalm 26:7, “Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs.” (The Message Bible)

At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, comedian Nikki Glaser drew attention to a notable trend: none of the acceptance speeches in the first half of the ceremony included a mention of God. While delivering a “mid-show recap,” Glaser humorously pointed out that, in terms of gratitude, fellow cast members and crew were first, with eleven mentions, followed by mothers, who were thanked three times. God, however, came in last with zero mentions. Glaser joked that this absence of God was “no surprise in this Godless town.”

Such is the state of things in this broken world. Although humanity was created by God, most refuse to honor Him or offer thanks (Romans 1:21). Rebel hearts and darkened minds lack both the understanding and the will to fulfill the purpose for which they were made. Despite God’s immense love and mercy, shown through the sending of His Son to save sinners, this priceless gift is often met with rejection and scorn.

For the redeemed, however, the perspective is different. A key example can be found in the context of our verse, where the psalmist publicly thanks God at the altar—an altar that looked forward to the future sacrifice of God’s Son for the forgiveness of sins. This act of thanksgiving is rooted in the incredible gift of salvation extended to every sinner. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit continually instructs and reminds us of the immense blessings we’ve received (Ephesians 1:3). It is not enough for us to remain silent in our gratitude. The church exists to proclaim the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We have a song of thanksgiving to share with the world.

I’ve sat with hospice patients in their final days and have heard some thanking God amid their afflictions. God put a song of thanks in their heart that they’ve sung ’til their last breath. Many of them have asked why God has kept them here when they were ready to pass on. The answer, I responded, is that God still has a purpose for them: a heart and voice to witness to others amidst their affiliations. What about you? It’s easy to complain—any child can do that. But to walk with Jesus in such a way that genuine thanksgiving flows from the heart and is expressed through our words—that is a “God-song” bearing a powerful testimony!

“Come Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”—Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing; Robert Robinson

Application Questions: When’s the last time you publicly expressed thanksgiving for something God has done?  How much freedom does the Spirit have in your heart to publish the “God-songs” that will proceed through your lips? 

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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