Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Let’s talk about praise…

It’s interesting that the author of this psalm starts by saying “Praise the Lord” before going on to talk about how and why they will praise Him. It’s as if they are trying to say ‘Before I describe it or teach people about it, let me just simply declare His praise, because that’s what I’m here to do.’ It’s a really simple act of encouragement - ‘I will praise The Lord and you should too!’ 

The Psalmist then goes on to talk about how he will praise - publicly and with his whole heart (verse 1). An undivided heart is a common theme throughout the Bible; Jesus even comments in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot be the servant of two masters. God calls for the undivided attention of our heart; it’s not always easy to give God everything. It’s worth spending time sitting with God and figuring out what is bringing you closer to Him and what is drawing your attention away. 

The rest of the psalm is a declaration of reasons to praise God. He is: righteous, gracious, compassionate, a provider, faithful, powerful, just, trustworthy, upright, a redeemer, holy and awesome (v2-9). There is always another reason to give Him praise!

The psalm ends by saying that wisdom begins with a fear of The Lord (v10). Our genuine praise is a sign of our heart aligning with His, and when we do that we gain a real perspective of who we are and who we should be. That’s where wisdom starts, and from there it grows through our relationship with Christ! 

Questions

What do you have to praise God for?

What is taking your attention away from God?

Pray

God, I praise you! Thank you for what you have done for me, thank you for Jesus and your faithfulness to your promises. Please align my heart with yours and give me wisdom to navigate life. Thank you for everything you are! Amen