My Story Punctuated with Hallelujahs

simplystriving

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God,
proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15

Friends, I’m tired. I say that literally as I care for this newborn babe. And I must confess, I had forgotten how hard simple life tasks are when sleep eludes you.

Even hallelujahs.

David made sure he praised God intentionally at least seven times a day (Psalm 119:164). A part of me wonders if this is like the seventy times seven example in the Bible and really means: David praised all day long. Every day. No matter what.

So I’ve been digging into Psalms for inspirations. Reading them through in the late night hours. Trying to imprint some on my heart in memorization. I’ve been alternating translations for new perspective. And I’ve offered up some of my own in my journal.

Because I want to keep my hallelujahs loud and strong. Just as they should be.

One night recently, I stumbled on The Message version of Psalm 22 and read this:

Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:

If you read the rest, you’ll find David sharing his story. The part of his life he deems most important. (CLICK HERE to read it) And friends, I have to tell you, it should come as no surprise…the part of his life he felt was worth sharing. The one he claims as his own…was all about God.

It makes sense, really, since God rescued David countless times.
Friends, He’s done the same for me.

I understand this as David was one of God’s very favorites.
Friends, He allows me the title of His child.

And I wonder if we asked those who knew David personally. Those who saw his everyday. The ones he called friends. I wonder if they knew this part of his story.

But the real question I need to answer: Do my friends? Do those who know me know my story? The one I claim for my own. The story that has rescued me from…myself?

The hard question I need to answer: If someone asked for this story, would I know what I would share? Is it so close to me that I’d have no trouble sharing the highlights like David has?

And the ultimate question I need to answer: Do I live out this story each day punctuated with hallelujahs?

As I wake in the midnight hours now, I find my shaky hallelujahs getting stronger. Because I’ve been thinking about this story. My story. The one story I should tell my friends. And how the life I live deserves hallelujah exclamation points! Regardless of what each day throws my way.

Amazing how easy hallelujahs become
when you look back to see what He’s done for you
and claim His Story as your own…

How about you, friend? What’s your story? Do you live it out in hallelujahs? I’d love to hear.

16 Responses to My Story Punctuated with Hallelujahs
  1. Dawn Paoletta (
    February 5, 2014 | 10:57 am

    Oh Nikki. This resonates beautifully- be still my soul! A visiting Pastor preached a message about David SUnday. David happens to be my very favorite study in the WOrd…and so much to learn from that one life…that one man. And here you are, sharing these words. God is just whispering so many sweet things to me through these messages. He is so pressing me (gently) into that reminder of my early days with Him…sharing the new story he was doing. Is continuing to do, and wants me to be blold, fearless and free in sharing. Good word!

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:32 pm

      it’s crazy to me…the tools He’ll use to speak to us. I’m so honored to have been used by Him here, friend! thank you for sharing with me and allowing Him to speak to me as a result!

  2. Mandy
    February 5, 2014 | 11:01 am

    How He’s saved me from myself…oh, amen! So true. I love the story you’re living, Nikki. Thanks for being you!

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:33 pm

      whenever I go to write my story, Mandy, that’s all I seem to get…He’s saved me from myself;) Hugs to you, friend! Thanks for reading my heart with such grace.

  3. Marian Beaman
    February 5, 2014 | 12:23 pm

    It’s okay to have a few sighs amid the hallelujahs, especially with a newborn. After a sermon I heard recently, I have been reading Psalm 113 which contains a call for praise + a cause for praise. At the end, the psalmist speaks of the barren woman, which wouldn’t apply to you now (!) but certainly describes Sarah, Hannah (OT), and Elizabeth in the NT.

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:33 pm

      YeS! Love Psalm 113, Marian. Thank you for sharing that with me and celebrating His gifts alongside me. What a gift…

  4. Sherrey Meyer
    February 5, 2014 | 1:06 pm

    Oh, Nikki, sweet daughter of God and mama of two boys! Your words resonate so well with my life since Christmas Day. What is my story? And where are my hallelujahs? Thank you for sharing these verses and yourself, and for jarring me loose from my doldrum state.

    Love you, my Sister,

    Sherrey

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:34 pm

      Dearest Sherrey, thank you, friend! doldrum state…only a writer would be able to put it so poignantly 🙂 Love and hugs to you!

  5. Beth
    February 5, 2014 | 4:32 pm

    Nikki, this so resonated with me too. I just shared a post today on telling my story. And now that I’ve said I plan to share my story I’ve found myself wondering all day what do I share? Where are my hallelujahs? There are many because He has given me so many reasons to worship Him. You’ve given me much to think about as I prepare for my next post. I’m a little scared. Nice to see you today. Congratulations!!
    xoxoxox

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:35 pm

      Oh the glory I find in your space, Beth. thank you for sharing with me here, prompting me over there as I haven’t been in awhile due to the …. well, the newborn fogginess;) so proud of you..for stepping aside so He can fill the space up. what glory…

  6. Joy Wombles
    February 6, 2014 | 11:31 am

    A life filled with praise and Hallelujahs…that too is my prayer.
    Bless you dear Nikki, so happy to read of your wonderful news!!!
    Cherish these sleepless nights when you can hold your baby close
    and feel the Presence of God.
    Love ya,
    Joy

    • nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 2:37 pm

      Joy! Thank you, friend. I wish I could introduce you to him personally…this bundle of miraculous blessing…I will do just what you suggest. thank you… Love and hugs to you!

  7. Tina
    February 6, 2014 | 4:11 pm

    I love this concept of punctuating our lives with Hallelujahs, Nikki. That’s so beautiful! I too am in Psalms this year. I read through it in the NKJV and highlighted all the trust passages. When I finished I felt that I needed to read again in a different version. I moved to the Message. I just recently got to Psalm 57 and read “every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.” I tell you, my sweet friend, the very thought has my heart overflowing. . .and it has me looking toward the sky when I should be doing dishes.

    • Nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 11:28 pm

      Oh mylanta, Tina, I LOVE THAT! thank you…
      the crazy thing? I read that Psalm in The Message weeks ago…but it was probably at 3 am and it didn’t strike me like it has with you sharing it with me…thank you… <3

  8. Dolly
    February 6, 2014 | 7:36 pm

    Dear Nikki,
    Praying God continues to sustain you, sweet friend…love how you always point to Him…it is a good reminder to praise God throughout the day for all the ways He has taken care of me…hugs to you

    • Nikki
      February 6, 2014 | 11:29 pm

      Dolly! thank you, friend. it’s all God, I tell you, as I am a frazzled mess;) I will get my act together and pick up the phone when it’s not loud at my house soon;)