Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1

This is a familiar phrase to all of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT), 187 times in the book of Psalms. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, I find myself slowing down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls of my tongue. This morning I seek new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord. I do not want the familiarity of the words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do.

Google provides us with a few definitions:
Praise – to express warm approval or admiration of; the expression of approval or admiration of someone or something.
The two main words found in this definition of praise are “approval” and “admiration”.
Approval – the action of officially agreeing to something or accepting something as satisfactory; the belief that someone or something is good or acceptable.
Admiration – respect or warm approval.

This morning I watched a video of a 15 month old baby girl in California experiencing rain for the first time. She was adorable as she stretched out her hands and tilted her face toward the sky. She giggled and smiled in approval of this new experience.

What if I were to worship like this little girl experienced the rain? What if I turn my face towards God and lift up my hands in praise, showing how I agree with God that this life He has given me is good – that I admire and approve. What if I worship God like I am experiencing Him for the first time?

So when I say “Praise the Lord” what am I saying? I am expressing approval and admiration of God. I am agreeing that God is good and I can accept what He decides to do. SUBMISSION. I am showing respect for who God is and what He does. God does not need my approval in the sense of seeking my permission or favor, but He demands my respect and acceptance of His Lordship. SUBMISSION.

Can I now say “Praise the Lord” and really mean it? Can I accept Him for who He is and recognize that He is good, that all He does is acceptable and worthy of my admiration? Even in the most difficult of situations, can I rest submissively in His hands and say, “Praise the Lord!!!”

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. – Psalm 146:1-2

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. – Psalm 145:8-13

Praise the Lord!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5

Praise the Lord!

Let all created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, your men and young women, old men and children.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven. – Psalm 148:5-13

Let the praise of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. – Psalm 149:6

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6