Making Praise a Priority
This morning I made the trip to Old Town to connect with some of our County officials for prayer. After some work in my home office, I visited Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital to deliver a certificate for their sponsorship of the Rotary Duck Race a few weeks ago. While there I visited with a new patient who is recovering from West Nile Virus. (Picture with Beth Bullard, CEO)
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King! Psalm 98:4-6 NLT
In reading through the Psalms the declarations of praise to the Lord are plentiful. We see encouragement to “shout” to “sing” to praise the Lord with musical instruments. The final Psalm, reveals the emphasis on praise and worship when we read, “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6 NLT)
Our praise is to be a delight. When we read the psalms, singing with joy is consistently found. Our worship is not a drudgery, but is a privilege and delight for those who know the Lord.
We are to praise the Lord for what He has done. “…he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power..” (Psalm 98:1 NLT) The psalmist declares, “…may I never forget the good things he does for me.” (Psalm 103:2 NLT)
We are to praise the Lord for who He is. “Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:4,5 NLT) “the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:17 NLT) The reoccurring declaration of Psalm 136 is “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NKJV)
We are to praise the Lord routinely and consistently. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV) “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1 NIV)
We are to praise spontaneously. “…break out in praise and sing for joy!” (Psalm 98:4 NLT) “…Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they’re sitting, Shout the high praises of God…” (Psalm 149:5 MSG)
As God’s creation, we are made to praise Him. I have found myself focusing too often on what the Lord does for me, His promises for my life; but fall short on taking the time to just worship Him. Our gift to the Lord is our obedience and our praise. Heaven is filled with praise and worship to the Lord. Now is the time to get ready for what we will be doing for eternity. It won’t get old then and it shouldn’t get old now.
Prayer for today… Lord thank You for what You have done and for who You are. Your love and mercy is overflowing in our life. Your presence is consistent, Your help never fails. Help us to remember to make our praise to You part of everyday.