God’s Definition of Proper Praise
To continue the psalmist’s thought on proper praise from Psalm 111, observe the direction of his divinely inspired lyrics. Just after he briefs us on who to praise and tells us who is doing the praising we see the path of praise.
That path is marked with several one word signs. That word is, Works. God’s works represent who he is. The word appears five times in verses 2 - 7. His works are great (2), splendid and majestic (3), wonderous and unforgettable (4), visible and powerful (6) and faithful and just (7). Verse five, the one not mentioning his works tells about two very important ones; it speaks of his provision of food and his perfect memory.
Praising God for his precepts (7)? Yes. They are trustworthy. How many things are trustworthy these days? You hear promises, pledges and plans only to be disappointed. Trust is a rare commodity. It is virtually invisible or nonexistent.
Yet every one of God’s precepts are worthy of our trust! Every single one! They are trustworthy, they are fixed forever. And if that weren’t enough, “and ever” is added for emphasis (8).
There is more. These, better than ironclad promises, will be performed faithfully and uprightly by none other than God himself. Man! I’m liking this praise more and more with each phrase.
We celebrate Christmas every year. There is this grand buildup and a sudden letdown on December 25. One of my Juniors said just yesterday (December 30) when I brought the Nativity scene to Sunday school, “Pastor! Christmas is ALREADY OVER!” as if I had committed some crime.
Verse nine tells me that I need to celebrate that blessed arrival everyday of my life. Its true! I need to celebrate Christ’s birth daily. Why? Because it was the prime symbol of God’s redemptive plan. His Son, Jesus the Christ arrived in a nice neat little package, looking and acting just like the little baby he had allowed himself to become. Amazing! Worthy of praise! Holy and awesome is his name!
The psalmist ends this praise song on a strange note, the fear of the LORD. Why end a perfectly good praise song with fear? Ain't I supposed to feel good at the end of a praise tune?
When you get a proper look at Holy God; a difficult concept for most; you will feel better than you ever felt before. Or you just might feel like Job did. Look what he said after getting an earful from the LORD.
To continue the psalmist’s thought on proper praise from Psalm 111, observe the direction of his divinely inspired lyrics. Just after he briefs us on who to praise and tells us who is doing the praising we see the path of praise.
That path is marked with several one word signs. That word is, Works. God’s works represent who he is. The word appears five times in verses 2 - 7. His works are great (2), splendid and majestic (3), wonderous and unforgettable (4), visible and powerful (6) and faithful and just (7). Verse five, the one not mentioning his works tells about two very important ones; it speaks of his provision of food and his perfect memory.
Praising God for his precepts (7)? Yes. They are trustworthy. How many things are trustworthy these days? You hear promises, pledges and plans only to be disappointed. Trust is a rare commodity. It is virtually invisible or nonexistent.
Yet every one of God’s precepts are worthy of our trust! Every single one! They are trustworthy, they are fixed forever. And if that weren’t enough, “and ever” is added for emphasis (8).
There is more. These, better than ironclad promises, will be performed faithfully and uprightly by none other than God himself. Man! I’m liking this praise more and more with each phrase.
We celebrate Christmas every year. There is this grand buildup and a sudden letdown on December 25. One of my Juniors said just yesterday (December 30) when I brought the Nativity scene to Sunday school, “Pastor! Christmas is ALREADY OVER!” as if I had committed some crime.
Verse nine tells me that I need to celebrate that blessed arrival everyday of my life. Its true! I need to celebrate Christ’s birth daily. Why? Because it was the prime symbol of God’s redemptive plan. His Son, Jesus the Christ arrived in a nice neat little package, looking and acting just like the little baby he had allowed himself to become. Amazing! Worthy of praise! Holy and awesome is his name!
The psalmist ends this praise song on a strange note, the fear of the LORD. Why end a perfectly good praise song with fear? Ain't I supposed to feel good at the end of a praise tune?
When you get a proper look at Holy God; a difficult concept for most; you will feel better than you ever felt before. Or you just might feel like Job did. Look what he said after getting an earful from the LORD.
1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.”
That is how you might feel after a good praise song. Like dirt. Job did and he was perfect. I don't like arguing with a perfect person. They always win.
When we praise Fearing God we will get a grip on true praise. We’ll get it right! We will be ready for heaven where his perfect praise will ring through its courts forever! Wow. What a way to end a dismal year! What a way to begin a new one. Praise the LORD!
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