See, there are many words used in the Bible to say "praise God." There's "glory to God in the highest", "Hosanna", or just a simple "praise the Lord". On top of all that, there is one more that holds a special meaning when seen in context... That word is Hallelujah.
It only appears in Revelations (really scary book to read) when all the wars are going on and strange creatures are coming out. Then it says in chapter 19 that heaven itself resounded with a cry: Hallelujah... Our God reigns. And when they said that, God himself came down and won the victory.
What is remarkable is that the sound of heaven was not praising God for celebration or because something good has happened - it was a battle cry from the deep conviction that God is going to bring back the victory in the end, no matter how bad things may seem.
For some of us maybe we have exams going on now - for the college students probably you have assignments not done yet; but amidst our business to get things done, let's remember to respond in faith to what God has said and just BELIEVE that things are going to turn out fine... That you are going to win.
Just one word: Hallelujah.
One word: Hallelujah
10 September 2009
Isaiah 53:2-5
14 October 2008He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Romans 8:28
22 September 2008And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
Who have been called according to His purpose.
You hold my world in your hands.
Psalms 18:35-36
21 September 2008You give me your shield of victory;