Your praise in your words

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 cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and young women, old men and children. Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones -- the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord! Psalm 148: 7-14 NLT

So, why do we praise God? Is it just because God created us? Or just because God has done something for us (which is more gratitude than praise)? 

The psalmist says all creation must praise God because God’s name is very great. God’s glory towers above all creation. God has made God’s people strong. God honors those who are faithful.

That is why we should praise God.

How can you praise God in your own words? Let that be your prayer for today.

Copyright 2013 Amelia G. Sims

Praising the Lord

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all the armies of heaven! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decrees will never be revoked. Psalm 148: 1-6 NLT

The psalmist is taking to the skies in the first of this psalm. Angels, heaven’s armies, sun, moon, stars, skies, clouds, even the vapors and being asked to join in praising God. Then everything that has been created is invited to join them. What is significant about beginning praising God in the heavens and skies?

I suppose when you look up you tend to also think that anything above you is, well, above you. I am speaking in terms of authority, power and honor rather than just physically. The psalmist isn’t about to give anyone or anything a break in honoring our creator. Just because you happen to be hanging around in the heavens does not mean you get a “free” pass from glorifying God. God created you, too, just by speaking the command. 

And God created you. How often to you give God praise? Sure, we thank God and ask God for stuff. But we need also spend time praising God and telling God how wonderful God is. We should bless God’s name and glorify God. 

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all the armies of heaven! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decrees will never be revoked. Amen.

Copyright 2013 Amelia G. Sims