Praise God Always

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-11(NRSV)
1  Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2  The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3  He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
4  He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
5  Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
6  The LORD lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.
7  Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
8  He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.
9  He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
10  His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
11  but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Reflections
“Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.” What an uplifting command from the Psalmist! How possible is it to maintain praise always? It is not too difficult to praise God when all is well with us. What about those times when life is challenging and even painful? Is it possible to praise God then? Is it possible to praise God when someone we love is living with an illness that requires our constant care? Is it possible to praise God when our beloved spouse has died? Is it possible to praise God amid the daily news barrage of war and terrorism? Is it possible to praise God then?

The Psalmist would have said, “Yes, it is possible – not easy, but possible.” The Psalmist was writing to folks who had just returned to their homes from many years of exile and slavery. They were hurting in so many ways due to the many losses that they had suffered. Just after challenging them to “Praise the Lord,” the Psalmist reminded them of how God had always cared for them and would continue to do so. “He heals the brokenhearted…lifts up the downtrodden.” The Psalm paints a picture of a God of power, greatness, and eternal love. The Psalmist was convinced of the possibility of such praising attitudes and behaviors because God never has and never will let us go. God’s everlasting love and care and greatness form the reason for our praise, not the changing circumstances of our lives. For the Psalmist praise was to be the foundation of their living, not something done only when times were good.

As we continue our Advent journey, let’s commit ourselves to praise God always, not because it is easy but because our great and powerful God loves and cares for us always.

Meditation
• How can I praise God daily?
• Begin a Gratitude Journal: write 5 blessings in your life daily.

Prayer
Loving and all-powerful God, I praise you for your constant care and creative power in my life. Sustain me in your care; guide me by your creative power; and help me to live a life of praise. In Jesus’ compassionate name. Amen.

blog comments powered by Disqus