My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Psalm 71:8 NIV
Don’t Shut Up
In September 2023, Domtar announced it was “indefinitely” shutting down its paper mill in Espanola, leading to the layoff of some 450 workers in the small northern Ontario town. The company said the pulp mill at the decades-old plant would shut down in early October, followed by the idling of the paper machines in November. In a release, Domtar president Steve Henry said, “The Espanola mill has been challenged for some time now. We have worked diligently to find a viable path forward for the operation including offering it for sale.”
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It is always sad when a business has to shut down its business and shut up the building that meant a livelihood for so many for so long. When it comes to our own lives, we don’t like it when someone tells us to be quiet, to not say anything. I remember one little guy who told his mother “I remember you teaching me to walk and to talk. And then when I was able to do both, you started telling me to sit down and be quiet!” The Bible never tells us to be quiet when it comes to speaking about the goodness of God. In Psalm 71:8 we read, “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” King David was constantly speaking about the goodness of God and declaring praise. It’s a good thing, or we wouldn’t have many of our favourite Psalms. We, too, are called to express praise for God and to declare His goodness. It ought to be our normal conversation during the day. So, today, don’t shut up about Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley