Ever wonder why God commands everything that has breath to praise Him? And not just people, either. Everything. I actually think I've seen my dog, Winston, praise the Lord. It happens on days when he races around the yard in wide circles, ears flapping madly, tongue hanging out in a great big doggie grin. He is joyful to be alive, and runs in a fur-covered testimony of God's goodness.
I've seen (or heard) Juliebird the Lovebird praise the Lord. It is the only explanation for the days when she is all alone in the room, sun streaming into her cage, chirping her little heart out. There are no other birds, or humans for that matter, to be her audience, but perhaps she sings for her Maker. He made her to chirp and do other birdie things, and she does them as a testimony of His creative genius.
The Pharisees, in Luke 40, were offended by the praise of Jesus' disciples at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They challenged Him to rebuke his followers for voicing their praise. Jesus' answer tells us what He thinks of enthusiastic, heartfelt appreciation of Himself. "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
I believe that the command to praise is a discipline that God uses to help us remind ourselves of Whom it is that we serve. If we call out God's attributes, not only does He hear, but we also hear. Hearing how great, mighty, loving, merciful, just, wise, and good God is helps us put our circumstances in their proper perspective. Just because my circumstances are bad doesn't mean that God is bad. Praise reminds us of God's attributes regardless of my circumstances.
Ruth Myers, in her book Thirty-One Days of Praise, reminded me this morning to praise Him. Listen to her words: "I praise you for Your sovereignty over the broad events of my life and over the details.With You, nothing is accidental, nothing is incidental, and no experience is wasted. You hold in Your own power my breath of life and all my destiny. And every trial that You allow to happen is a platform on which You reveal Yourself, showing Your love and power both to me and to others looking on.Thank you that I can move into the future non-defensively, with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead, for You hold the future and You will always be with me, even to my old age. . . and through all eternity" (49).
Will you join me today in praising God?
Yes! Praising God in the midst of difficulties can turn an attitude of despair into one of hope! I love to sing my praises during my devotion time and this morning, chose the song "Lord, You are Holy". Even though it may not be the sweetest sound, it serves to give God the praise for all of His blessings upon my life and reminds me of his awesome character - Holy, righteous, omnipotent, omnipresent, soon coming King, defender, protector, Lord of everything... In what do I need to despair or fear?
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