Today’s Reading: Psalm 146, 148, 150
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1
This is a familiar phrase to most of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. But I do not want the familiarity of these words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do. If the psalmist is calling me to praise the Lord, what do I need to understand about this form of worship?
The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT) and 187 times in the book of Psalms alone. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, let us slow down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls off the tongue. Let us seek a new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord.
Google provides us with a few definitions: Praise is the expression of approval or admiration. Approval is the agreement that something is good, acceptable or satisfactory. The meaning of admiration adds respect to my approval. [google.com]
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!” Let’s worship with abandon, expressing unconditional passion for our God!
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 him in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works; praise him for his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6
There is a video online of a 15-month old baby girl experiencing rain for the first time. She adorably stretches out her hands and tilts her face toward the sky. She giggles and smiles in approval of each raindrop that splashes on her face. Let’s worship God in the same way this little girl experienced the rain? Let’s turn our face towards God and lift up our hands in praise, showing how we agree with God that this life He has given us is good — that we admire His goodness and approve of His faithfulness. Praise the Lord!