Day 182

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Praise the Lord!

Scripture

June 30—Psalms 146-150: Praise for the Praiseworthy God

Observation

The psalmist's emotions have ridden a roller-coaster in the psalms you have read thus far: from the pit of depression to the pinnacle of exaltation. But the final segment of psalms leaves one clear impression on the reader: God is worthy to be praised! Praise him from one generation to the next; praise him for his help in the time of trouble; praise him as Creator and Sustainer, Savior and Lord.

Application

Psalms 146-150 all begin and end with the same Hebrew word, hallelujah, which means "praise the Lord!" It's the psalmist's way of saying, "Shout from the rooftops the praiseworthy character of the Lord and his mighty deeds on behalf of his people!" Psalm 146 alone catalogs a dozen things for which God should be exalted, including his creation, truth, judgement, provision, healing, protection, and rule.

But God's praise is not limited to those who can verbalize it. Every part of creation—sun and sea creatures, snowflakes and stars—shouts forth the news of a great God in heaven (Psalm 148).

Psalm 150 provides the capstone of the section, and indeed the book of Psalms as a whole. In just six short verses the psalmist issues the command to praise a total of thirteen times! The point of the psalm is clear: with every breath you take, let your life be an anthem of praise to God, for he is worthy of your public proclamation of his greatness.

You are surrounded by individuals every day who need to hear about the praiseworthy character of your God. Your unsaved neighbors, coworkers, classmates and friends and relatives. Each is waiting to hear that there is a God in heaven whose loyal love is worth shouting about.

Why not construct your own "Ten Most Wanted List" of friends, relatives and other associates who need to hear and respond to God's love. Begin to pray for each person, each day by name. And pray for yourself, that when God opens the door of opportunity, you're ready!

Prayer

Father God, we are not restricted by time, place or ability to do great things for you. The only thing restricting us is our lack of prayer and praises to you. Make us praying and praising warriors for we know in prayer we act like men and in praise we act like angels. Hallelujah, praise your Holy Name! In Jesus name, Amen!





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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