I have been listening to much that is being said regarding praising God and have been surprised at how little we know. I remember believing that we sing songs because God wanted us to praise Him. Okay, but why? Why does God want me to praise Him? As my mind tried to understand, (it is what we as humans do after all) I only arrived at the silliest of conclusions.
Praising God made Him feel more like God. Wait, what? He is completely God! All the praises of all the earth could never make Him a bigger, greater God.
God needed our praises. Huh? As you can see, I amaze even myself with my audacity. But as you know, we as a created people are rather audacious. God does not need our praise to fulfill any part of His divine nature.
Recently I have delved into the heart of King David. Taking each part of his life and looking for the lessons God has for me there. After all, God himself stated "I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart." As I studied I became amazed at how this man, chosen by God, failed so often...... Just. Like. Me.
Through the journey of the life of David, the Lord has taught me much. It taught me the value of being truly humble in the depths of my heart. I have learned that the "why" isn't nearly as important as I thought but that unwavering obedience is.
Most of all, I have learned so very much about praise. I know that God desires praise for many reasons but have come to believe that these two are the most important.
PRAISE REMINDS US OF WHO HE IS
When I am overwhelmed and cannot see, God calls me to remember and rehearse some of His many virtues.
- All the wonders worked in the lives recorded in His word
- All the wonders in my own life
- The beautiful wonders in the lives of those around me and those I know
As I proclaim out loud His greatness, power, and glory, then I can see my own need in comparison. Can you hear the words of Jeremaiah? "Jeremaiah 32:17 you have made the heaven and earth by your great power and outstretched arms. Nothing is too hard for you." And in that moment I find rest from my troubles.
PRIASE REMINDS US OF WHO WE ARE
The most powerful thing I learned is that praise is an exercise in perspective. 1 Chronicles 29:14, David says, "But who am I?" Authentic praise works every time. You cannot enter into such praise and remain the same. When we worship with authenticity, we end with a heart freshly humbled.
Perspective invariably accompanies praise. Hearts that praise often, will keep focused on the timeless power and might of God. Without an active praise life, our perspective becomes focused on self.
So take time before you start your day to enter into authentic praise. Raise your voice in song, lift your hands to glorify Him, and find your heart refreshed!!
Blessings my friends.
