God’s Anthem

I love the Olympics!  You know - the time when pretty much the whole world comes together to celebrate sports, athleticism, and country. 

Now, I'm no athlete. I’m pretty much the opposite.  But I can sit in my living room and watch these incredibly talented athletes do some absolutely amazing things. I am constantly amazed at the talent and dedication these athletes possess.

I find myself getting so invested in what is happening.  I feel my heart drop when a speed skater stumbles and falls, or when a gymnast tumbles awkwardly off the balance beam.  I find myself feeling the heartbreak and sadness as you see the look on their faces - the look that says their dreams of being an Olympic medalist would not be coming true that year.  And yet, when an athlete nails their sport and does make it to the podium, I get choked up and teary-eyed when I see the look of pride and accomplishment on their faces.

But I think the thing that I love the most about the Olympics- more than my awe at the talent and admiration for their dedication - is the pride each person takes in representing their country. You first see this when they march in during the Opening Ceremonies.  I thoroughly enjoy watching the ceremonies. 

During this time, we see all the athletes proudly walk together behind their flags, waving and smiling at the crowd.  You can sense the excitement on their faces - the anticipation.  You can see how awesome it is for them to walk together, representing their country.  While watching this a couple years ago, one of my children said, “That must be so cool to be the person chosen to carry in their country’s flag!”  I nodded my head in agreement.  What an honor for sure.

Once all the athletes are in stadium, everyone stands together - multiple countries with just as many differing cultures - as the Olympic Anthem is sung.  When it is finished everyone cheers.  That always gets me choked up.

Seeing all these people come together, united and standing as one is truly amazing and exciting.  It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.  But this feeling is temporary.  Once these games are over, everyone goes back to their own country and life goes back to normal.  All the different countries are no longer standing in unity, focusing on one thing.

But one day, that will change.  One day, one glorious day, everyone will stand in unity - not to sing the Olympic Anthem, but to sing God’s Anthem.

Philippians 2:10 says, ““That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

Revelation 5:13 says, “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”

One day, every single creature will stand in unison to sing praise to God - our Creator, our Father, our Lord, our Savior!

Imagine the feeling that will bring: millions of voices crying out praises to God!  Now THAT gives me goose bumps!!!  What an incredible thing we will get to be a part of!  And that feeling won't be temporary.  That unity won’t last for just a short time.  We will be singing His praises for “10,000 years and then forevermore" (as the song goes).   We will spend eternity giving praise to “whom all praise is due.” 

I look forward to that day, but we don't have to wait until then to sing God’s praises.  Today, as children of God, we can be the “flag bearers” for Christ, proudly proclaiming to the world that we are a part of His kingdom, showing our dedication, and using our talents to represent Him!

Yes, I love watching the Olympics.  I love hearing the medalists’ anthems played as their flags are raised and seeing the pride, excitement, and happiness on their faces.

But I think I am going to enjoy hearing and singing God’s anthem even more.  And until that day when every living thing will do that in unison, I want to be sure I dedicate my life now to praising Him.

Using my life to praise the Lord can be done each and every day, no matter what I am doing or going through.  It can be as simple as listening to worshipful music while driving in the car, or while cleaning the house.  It can be reciting verses about God (the Psalms have many verses that sing His praises, and many are very simple to memorize).  It can be verbally to others (or on social media) expressing about my thankfulness to Him and what He has done for me.  I can look for ways that He has blessed me (I will ALWAYS be something).  I can use any opportunity I am given to turn my thoughts (and others’ thoughts) toward the Lord and His greatness.  I can do all this right now, until that day comes when “everything that has breath” will together praise the Lord.