Read Psalm 150
Have you ever been around someone who simply exhibits and demonstrates the presence of God in their lives by their understanding, their way of living and their words on a consistent basis. It is as if their ability to “Praise God” easily rolls off their tongue? And not in some pious or weird way, but in a genuine desire to praise God in all situations, all conversations, all events taking place. I have, and you might have as well. Encountering such people is both encouraging and convicting at the same time.
That's the feeling I get from Psalm 150 as well – it’s giving us encouragement and conviction in understanding that we are to “Praise God.” That HE is the focus of our minds attention and our hearts affection. Whatever is going on in and around us we are to praise Him for who He Is and what He has done and He is doing!
The Psalmist is reminding us of the who, where and why of praising God.
Verse 1 – Praise the Lord (the who)– there is but One God, so praise Him. Reminds me of our challenge a few weeks ago to begin and end each day with the Shemah – “Hear oh Israel, the Lord is our God, The Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your Heart, Soul and Strength.”
He is to be the WHO of our minds attention.
Verse 1 – in his sanctuary (the where)– where does He Live? Yeah, not in a building but in the “church,” Us, his temples, where the indwelling Holy Spirit lives within us. So where do we praise God? The answer is pretty simple: everywhere!
Verse 2 – his acts of power and His surpassing greatness (the why) - simply, because of what He has done and is doing even though we may not be able to see it all the time. Our hearts affection for His power and His greatness.
So, think about this today, what has captured your mind's attention and your heart's affection? In the middle of the hustle and busyness of the day are you able and willing to stop and simply say – Praise God for _______________?
In the morning when you roll out of bed and before you get moving; stop, take a minute, enjoy the presence of God and Praise Him for________________?
And at the end of the day, when it’s been long and hectic and frustrating and _______________, whatever the day has held, Praise Him for His power and greatness.
My hope and prayer for us is that our praise of God would roll off our tongues effortlessly as we recognize who He is and what He has done.
Praise God….Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord.
-- Mark Ramsey