Getting a little bored with the voice that my Waze app used to navigate my way through the mystery of morning traffic each day, I decided to explore other available options. After a recent upgrade, I discovered an unexpected alternative, "English (US) - Boy Band."

The first time I heard it "speak" I laughed out loud. Instead of an emotionless, digitized talking tone, I heard this synthesized "boy band" voice literally sing to me a melodic, "In a quarter of a mile, turn right." Following the techno-song instructions, I found myself unable to quell the instinctive desire to echo the "Hazard reported ahead" and "keep left" musical warnings as I traveled down I-65. Truth be told, I grinned all the way to work that Monday morning as I was serenaded to my destination by this Nsync-ish navigator.

After parking, I walked through the garage and through the maze of hallways of the hospital with those instructional jingles resounding in my head. And, as quirky as it sounds, I was looking forward to getting back into my car at the end of the day just to sing my way home.

Reflecting on the experience, I couldn't help but think of Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:17. The Passion Translation eloquently expresses it this way. "Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!"

Just as my Waze app "sang" along the way, I believe the Holy Spirit invites us to do the same. Giving thanks in everything... at every turn... through every hazard... around every bend in the road, bringing our constant praise to God.

But how do we do that? Frankly, we don't. God does. How? By the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit glorifying Jesus through us. This gift of grace frees our hearts to "overflow with a joyful song to the Lord Jehovah" as we "Keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit!" [Ephesians 5:19 TPT].

The Psalms explain the rationale for living a life of constant gratitude. "For the Lord's greatness is beyond description and he deserves all the praise that comes to him. He is our King-God and it's right to be in holy awe of him... Breathtaking brilliance and awe-inspiring majesty radiate from his shining presence. His stunning beauty overwhelms all who come before him." Bringing it home, the Psalmist reminds us, "For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you. He's so loving that it will amaze you - so kind that it will astound you!" [Psalm 96:1-4, 6 | Psalm 100:5 TPT].

Selah. Pause and calmly think of that. And as you do, I think the Psalmist's response will become ours. "How could I be silent when it's time to praise you? Now my heart sings out loud, bursting with joy - a bliss inside that keeps me singing, 'I can never thank you enough!'" [Psalm 30:12 TPT].

Today, choose to "Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering" [Romans 12:1 MSG]. Allow His magnificent splendor and the miracles of His majesty to be your constant meditation [Psalm 145:5 TPT]. And along the way, may you discover the joy and peace of fellowship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

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Looking for a way to start your day with a word of encouragement? Volume 3 of 31 Days of Encouragement, co-written with my daughter, Rachel, is available in my on-line store. These short, Scripture-based devotionals based on everyday experiences are the perfect way to prepare your heart for the day ahead.