I am not a morning person. Love a beautiful sunrise as much as anyone but I have to stay up all night to see it. Mornings I am always the same. Very tired. Blurry vision. Achy and stiff. And, of course, desperate for a cup of coffee.

But before I begin the day’s work, I have a special routine. I listen to songs about my Heavenly Father and His love for me…about Jesus and my relationship with Him…and about our calling to love and encourage each other.
 
They remind me who God is and who I am. It rekindles my commitment to follow Him, one that often took a beating the day before. Most important as I look to the day ahead, it fills my heart with shouts of, Hallelujah in the name of the Lord!
 
We are one in the name of the Lord.
 
Hallelujah, often interpreted as “Praise the Lord”, is based on two ancient Hebrew words…halal and Yahh. The second refers to the sacred name of God. But the first describes a celebration of glorifying, exalting, boasting, and…wait for it…singing. 
 
Yes, even before my prayers I want to sing, experience, and know that exhilarating Hallelujah! Even in times of trouble and frustration. Even in those dark days when God seems far away. Even when I grieve and mourn. Especially then.

To be honest, that can be difficult. But David’s words bring comfort. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice…weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning…where morning dawns and evening fades, You call forth songs of joy.¹
 

We stand in the name of the Lord.
 
Recently one morning, I listened to a song I had never heard before. For me, it speaks of us being one, standing together in the name of the Lord. Then it encourages us to remember…

Hallelujah…by Celtic Worship

Together we’ll follow in the steps
Of the One who rose up from the depths
Yes, He rose so we can love in the name of the Lord
Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah in the name of the Lord ²

Wherever you may be, whatever the circumstances, whether sunny skies or raging storms, take heart. God loves you. He cares for you. And He will never leave you. Hallelujah in the name of the Lord!

Ciloa Forever!

Chuck

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. Also an author and speaker, Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

Footnotes:  (1) Read Psalm 5:3, 30:5b, 65:8. (2) These words are from Hallelujah, written by Steph Macleod in 2007 and performed by Celtic Worship on their debut album Homeward, Oak Ridge Records, 2019.
 
Pictures: Banner: Early morning sunrise on a South Carolina beach, Pixabay.com. (1) I Shout For Joy, creator unknown, from IWalkWithJesus.com. (2) Hallelujah In The Name of the Lord performed by Celtic Worship Lyric video created by Diane Williams.