NearnessNäide

Growing up, I served for many years in the music ministry at church. As an eager youth leading the team, I loved the volume to be high, the beats to be thumping, and the singing to be loudly declaring God’s praise. Sometimes an older person would complain, and Psalm 150 would often be on my list of scriptures to use to rebut their complaints.

Psalm 150 (NIV) says to praise the Lord with the “clash of cymbals”, with “timbrel and dancing”, and the “sounding of the trumpet”! How could we not shout in praise to God’s “surpassing greatness” and “acts of power”? If it’s too loud, maybe you’re too old!

Many years later, I am now the one complaining about the noise as I cradle my kids and cup their ears.

As exuberant as the praise is described, I think I missed the point when I was younger. Yes, praise and worship are about praising God joyfully, but praise can also be expressed with the gifts we have—music, movement, words, and even silence.

The author of this Psalm reminds us to: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6, NIV). It’s not limited to priests, musicians, or spiritually mature people. Praise is for everyone, no matter our season of life, our doubts, our burdens, or our gifts and talents. If you have breath, you are invited to take a step back and adore our God in whatever way you are able.

See, the act of praise is a response—a response to a holy, powerful, and beautiful God. A God who loves us and sees us. It’s not about how loud or soft our singing is, or what instruments are being played. It is about coming to a perfect, loving God and praising His name, however that may look like for you.

Today, ponder this: In the midst of whatever you are going through today, do you remember that God is sovereign over all? Do you remember that He is with you and walks with you? Praise Him now for His goodness and His love!