-September 2, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Monday, happy Labor Day,
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150 is the last psalm in the book of the psalms. It has just six verses but the word praise is found in each verse and a total of thirteen times.
All the last three psalms are referred to as psalms of praise. In fact the word praise is found in them a whopping thirty times! Each of them are from unknown writers.
Praising God for the believer should as natural as breathing, for flows from those who have been redeemed, forgiven, and blessed in every way. Praise takes all the attention away from ourselves, others, and this world and focuses it on the Lord.
The word praise is defined as, “to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections.” Another word for praise is Hallelujah. Our God is perfect in His character, His conversation, and His conduct. So many so called “gods” are mean spirited and sinful like the people that worship them.
We praise God for who His is (His person) and what He has done (His works. Praising God exalts Him and gives Him all the glory. On Sundays we gather collectively to worship Him, and thank Him. We join our hearts and voices to praise Him.
King David, of all the people in the Bible, established and promoted praise among God’s people. He played the harp and also mentioned instruments such as the lute, timbrel, trumpet, stringed instruments, flutes, loud cymbals, and crashing cymbals. Each of these are mentioned in Psalm 150.
Music and singing are a wonderful way to praise the Lord, but not the only way. Public reading of the Scriptures, sharing, and prayer are extremely important as well. Together they compose a tapestry of praise to our Lord.
One of my favorite hymns we sing at our church is at the end of our weekly communion service. It is entitled “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” It is commonly known as “The Doxology.” The hymn writer Thomas Ken wrote, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Praise is not just for Sunday services, but should flow from our hearts daily, especially in our times of devotion. Individuals, couples, and children should praise the Lord.
Have a blessed day praising the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.
Only our God is worthy of praise all of our hours and all of our days.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 