Become a fan
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! – Psalms 47:1
It’s football season, and around here, football is a big deal. Living only 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, we are definitely in Steeler territory. We used to be die-hard Steelers fans, but things have changed over the years. Back then we spent hours watching football each week—not just our team, but every team. It was a top priority. We spent money on Steelers merchandise, wore the gear, and made sure to catch at least one game at the stadium each season. And when the Steelers made the playoffs, everything else in life was put on hold.
Then, over time, we realized something: football wasn’t as important as we once thought. Slowly, our priorities began to shift. We started focusing on things that truly matter in life—things that bring lasting joy, not just momentary excitement. But one thing still stands out to me about being a football fan: the fans themselves. They’re passionate, loud, and proud. During a game, there’s so much noise—cheering, shouting, jumping up, and clapping. There’s almost no limit to what a fan will do to support their team. Even when they’re not at the game, they’ll defend their team to the end, especially if it’s the Steelers. “Here we go Steelers” isn’t just a chant you hear at the stadium. I’ve been at many random events around town where people start chanting, even when it’s not football season. Steelers fans are absurd, to say the least!
But here’s the thing. As crazy as fans are for football, there’s something far more important that people rarely show the same enthusiasm for. We have a Savior, Jesus, who gave His life to rescue us from an eternity of punishment, and yet, where is the excitement for Him? It’s rare to see anyone shouting for joy over what God has done. In fact, some churches discourage clapping or showing any outward expression of joy during worship, as if being thrilled about our salvation is somehow out of place.
Psalms 47:1 says, “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!” We are called to praise God with all our might, with excitement and passion. The same energy and enthusiasm we see at football games should be even greater when we think about what our Lord Jesus has done for us. He didn’t just win a game—He won our eternity. Our destiny was once eternal death, but now, through His salvation, we have eternal life. That is something worth shouting about!
Today I want to encourage you to become a fan of Jesus. Don’t be shy about your faith. If you can jump, shout, and cheer for a football team, why wouldn’t you be even more willing to do that for your Savior. Your joy and praise should be so contagious that the whole world knows where true victory is found—not on a football field, but in the love and salvation offered by Christ Jesus. So clap your hands, raise your voices, and show the world the joy of being saved and what a true fan looks like!
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 47
1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
2 For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
3 He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.
8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.
9 The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.
The Daily Dose 