make a joyful noise

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,
for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working
nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

ECCLESIASTES 9:10

God gives us talents, and He wants us to use them. My talent is singing, but I used to hide it, and I would only sing in my mom’s car or at home. Finally, I decided that I was going to use my talent at a banquet I was attending. I was overjoyed that God gave me the courage to do this. However, afterwards I began to hide my talent again. When another banquet came around, I decided to sing with a friend of mine, but after that I started hiding my talent again. By His grace, God gives us second and third chances to do His will. During the summer, one of the sisters in my church started a choir. When I found out, I was the first to sign my name because I was determined not to be afraid. I felt as though this was my opportunity to give God the glory with the talent He so graciously gave me. Because of this, I will forever make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Larniqwa Merritt, 15, Redemption Christian Academy, Troy, NY

Whatever I do, I want to do it for Your glory.
I don’t wanna waste a minute
of the time You’ve given me being afraid.