“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.Praise the LORD.”  Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

by Erik Jones

Star Search is always a joyful, exciting and dare I say stressful time for everyone involved.  I too felt that sense of excitement (and maybe a little stress) as I walked into the school on that beautiful Saturday afternoon. 

As I approached the door of the school, my excitement grew as I heard the sound of laughter and shoes tapping as the children were running around making sure they had a chance to wish their friends good luck before the festivities commenced.  While walking around I saw nothing but smiling faces and complete happiness.  It brought such joy to my heart to see the amount of people involved in such an important event of The Salvation Army. 

I was asked to be a judge for Singing Company and Youth Chorus.  I was very impressed with the amount of groups that entered and equally with the level of the singing groups.  As the many groups were singing I just kept thinking of the scripture verse, Psalm 150:6; “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”  I am sure the Lord was truly blessed by all of those who participated.

As everyone was piling into the auditorium for the awards ceremony that level of excitement was still there but was mixed with anticipation.  I wonder if I did well enough to place.  I wonder how everyone else did during their performance.  However, no one let those emotions get in the way of praising the Lord.  I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence as we sang songs of praise and worship. 

No one had to be reminded of the real reason we were all there; to praise the Lord.  Again, the scripture verse continued to race through my mind. 

I left the school that evening feeling very tired but feeling refreshed in the Spirit.  It was a blessing for me to be involved in Star Search as a child but even more of a blessing to be involved as an adult.  My roles may have changed, going from participant to judge but every time I go I am reminded that I am there to praise the Lord. 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”