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Psalm 33:1 (KJV) Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

Recently I heard someone quoting the man who said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe. Help Thou my unbelief.”  That, in combination with this verse, reminds me that I need constant assistance in having the right attitude.

In this case it is the attitude of praise.  It is so easy to get caught up in the pressures and conflicts of life.  We seem to adopt worry as our default.  If our desire is to live upright lives then we need to resist that.

Praise can come automatically.  We have all been in worship services where the presence of the Lord overwhelms anything else that might be on our mind.  Often it is a matter of discipline.  That is why I make part of my morning worship a time of thanksgiving.  Thanks and praise are bedfellows.  I find that when I look for things to be thankful for the byproduct is praise.

So?  Focus.  God has a way of helping us along the way when we take the first step.  Take a chance.  Trust Him.  Thank Him.  Praise Him.  See what a difference it makes in your day.  

My Goal

Psalm 69:6 (KJV) Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

There’s a lot in this chapter as David pours his heart out to the Lord.  There’s only one mention toward the end that might be construed to have something to do with the law and the sacrificial system, everything else has to do with an obedient son, reaching out to a loving father.

I so much want to pass that on to others.  This past week I’ve had dinner with my son and an outing with my daughter and grandchildren.  If I had to write a report, it would be full of praise for God and thanksgiving for the blessings that He’s given me in my children.  I feel that I have passed on the torch to them.  That of course allows for their differences in personalities and priorities.  It understands that they are not going to agree with me on everything.  No problem.

What this first reminds me of today is that I have a continual example to set for others.  I think of the people at my church.  I tend to be an introvert, but I’m working on it.  I wonder how many of them can be uplifted in someway by my example.

So?  Let me join David in this prayer today.  May I do nothing to drag others down or to cloud their vision of You.  May I be an eternally positive influence in their life. Amen.  

All Inclusive

Psalm 117:1 (KJV) O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

One of my favorite past times has been debating dispensationalism with a friend.  He’s not just a dispensationist but a mid-Acts dispensationist.  That’s even more exclusive than being a dispensationalist if you can picture such a thing.

One of the points that he constantly likes to make is that the Old Testament was written for the Jews and does not apply to the rest of us.  He would allow that occasionally there’s a principal that should be considered, but usually those are principles that support his theological system so he’s a bit selective there.  Occasionally I come across versus like this that take his system and ask the question, “Have you read your Bible lately?”

You see, as I look at this I see two words that seem to imply being outside Israel.  The first one is “nations”.  This is a term in Hebrew that you may be familiar with, goy.  This is a word that is used almost insulting by Jews to refer to gentiles.  When you look at the scholarly definitions, it says it’s usually used for people outside of Israel.  That would mean you and me.

So I thought maybe this word “peoples” refers to Israel.  Not so.  It’s only used four times in the Old Testament and if you look them up each time, it is very clear that it is talking to people who are not Jews.

So?  At least in this one spot, it is very clear that God had all of us in mind as He was preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah.  Even in the days of the Old Testament, He was calling upon the whole world to praise Him.  Join me. 

Simply Glorious

Psalm 116:6 (KJV) The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

It is amazing to me how content I can be with my limitations when I am basking in the presence of Him who has no limitations.  What makes it such a joyful encounter is the awareness that He is real, that His loving kindness is extended toward me, that He sent Jesus to suffer on the cross for me, and He is so patient and aware of my limitations.

So? Glory!  

Watered Down

Psalms 29:1 (KJV) [[A Psalm of David.]] Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

(Proverbs 8 also read)

I first started having questions about the translation of this verse when I compared the Authorized and the NASB.  Notice the slight difference by the addition of a word.

(Psa 29:1 NAS77) A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

The extra word is “sons”.  With my limited expertise in Hebrew, all I could do was look at the Blue Letter Bible tools, and noticed that according to them, the Hebrew word “ben” is in the original manuscripts, but for some reason the authorized version does not include it.

So the idea of the sons is biblical.

Now go another step.

The word “mighty” is usually translated as God and in the singular.  Out of 245 times the word appears in the Hebrew it is translated as God 239 times.  Why not here?  I guess the translators were in one of those moods.  The thing is it’s consistent through all the translations I have except one.

So?  Part of the reason that we are excited about who God is involves the fact that we are sons of God. 

Routine Praise

Psalms 148:3 (KJV) Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

How does the sun praise God?  How does the moon praise God?  How does a star praise God?  You can go through this whole storm asking that question.

If you were a farmer in the hill country of Israel, assuming farmers could farm in the hill country, you would probably have enough superstitions, myths, and traditions, to actually believe that the sun and moon were sentient.  You might have had no problem with these statements.

Today on the other hand, we look at it a little differently.  Unless you happen to be one of those who worship Gaia and assume that the planet has a personality, you think of these things as just big balls of fire or big rocks.  You don’t give them the ability to praise.  So is this just a literary device?  Is it just poetry?

If I’m searching for an actual accurate application I might come up with a thought that the sun praises God by doing what it was created to do.  Take that thought and run it down the list.  Then apply it to us as human beings.

So?  One of the greatest ways that we can praise God is by living as He would have us to live, and give Him the credit in the glory for it.  I love it in Texas when someone says, “Have a blessed day.”  It reflects the glory of God.  

Extol?

Psalms 145:1 (KJV) [[David's [Psalm] of praise.]] I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

It occurred to me as I began reading that I wasn’t totally sure with the word “extol” meant.  I did what we are supposed to do as we read any literature, let alone scripture:  I looked it up.  It has to do with lifting up, exulting, praising, speaking highly of, you can go on from there.  We are to lift up God forever and ever.

Of course, my mind gets skeptical even in things like this.  I ask myself how can I as a finite, fleshly, recently released from sin human being, extol the eternal Master and Maker of the universe?  It seems like an empty gesture.  It’s almost like the tiny curly bug which my grandson plays around with called him “good looking”.  Who cares if an insect thinks you’re good looking?

Don’t forget God’s point of view.  He created us.  He created us in His own image.  We know that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  We have this totally unique relationship with the God of the universe.  And He wants our prayers.

So?  Take a moment, and lift up the God of the universe.  You won’t be able to lift him very high, but there are many times where it is our attitude and effort, not our ability.  

Star Praise

Psalm 148:3 (KJV) Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

I can read this two ways.  The first way is obviously just read it with an attitude of worship and acceptance and glorifying God.

The second way is to have my skeptic hat on and ask myself, “How does the sun praise God?”  I can then go on, and substitute the moon and the stars.  In reality, those are just skeptical questions.  They are also questions asking for insight.  We can read in just an attitude of worship, and God will meet us.  We can read with a desire for deeper understanding, with skepticism, and God will also meet us.

So the question still stands:  “How do the celestial objects praise God?”

I don’t for a minute to think that the sun is an entity that is aware.  So, in the sense of conscious praise, it is impossible.  It’s possible that the answer to this is that we praise God, simply by being what He has made us to be.  That works for the sun, the moon, and the stars.  It’s harder for us to see in ourselves.

So?  Maybe we could start by just thanking God that He made us the way we are with our attributes in our personality.  Quit thinking we need to be like other people and just rejoice and what God has given us to do and be.  If nothing else think about it as star praise.

Divine Doxxing

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

(Proverbs 8 also read)

I’m not sure what “doxxing” means.  I keep hearing it used and maybe I’ll look it up later, but I thought it went well with this doxology that is given to us, not at the end of Ephesians, but in the middle.

What struck me about this as I was thinking of creation, and our interpretations and understandings is that God is so far beyond us.  He is more than one step ahead.  You’ve heard of baby steps and giant steps in one of the games we played his children.  God steps are bigger than giant steps.  He is beyond what we could even ask, let alone think.

So?  Although we are told reason, we are created in the image of God, we are a little above, or below the angels, keep in mind that we are limited.  We are finite.  We are creatures.  And we are designed to trust the creator.

One of a Kind

(Psa 47:7 KJV)  For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

This is a chapter filled with little, except for praise towards God.  We need to be more conscious of praise in our lives.

One of the things that stood out to me was this verse.  It shows us one of the key differences between the God of the Bible, and the gods of the pagans.  Yahweh is not a local god.  He is the God of the entire earth, whether you acknowledge Him or not.  Most gods were confined to a geographical location.  Thus in the pagan world when you went to a new area you might actually pray to the local god or offer a sacrifice, or an offering to the local god.

The Jews were to be different.  We are to be different.  There is only one God in reality.  We need to make sure that even in our imaginations there’s only one God.  And it is not us.

So?  When you praise God it’s not like telling your wife she’s got a nice dress on.  You are praising Him for His entire being:  For His loftiness, for His Holiness.  He is the real king of all the Earth. 

Joy for Trouble

(Psa 86:7 KJV)  In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

There are days when I need a verse like this.  Do you know what I’m talking about?  Now, I must say, today is not one of them, but it is so good to be reminded of how dependable our God is.

Maybe we also need to remember that we don’t just need to call upon God in our time of trouble.  That’s what it says here but, I somehow think that God really enjoys it when we call upon him in our blessings.

So?  Are you blessed today or are you troubled today? One thing, never changes, God loves it when his people call upon His name.  I’m not sure which He enjoys more, the trust we expressed in our need or the lovely expression of joy. 

A Depressing Psalm

(Psa 88:3 KJV)  For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

What a depressing Psalm.  If this were an example of the rest of the book then I doubt if it would have become the favorite that it is.  This is the testimony of someone who does not know the God of the Bible.  He has read about Him.  He has heard others talk about Him.  He probably knows his theology.  He does not know his God.

If you have time compare this to Psalm 19.  It came to mind when I was reading this.  I didn’t remember what was in it but my mind whispered, “Psalm 19".  It starts off with a statement of the glory of God and proceeds full of rejoicing and Praise.  It is like it was written by a different person, and it was.  This is why David is regarded as a man after God’s own heart.  It is because he knew God’s heart and rejoiced in it

So?  God is truly terrifying and life is so futile if you do not know Him.  In this day and age Jesus has died to pay for your sins so knowledge of God is available to all.  What a reason to rejoice. 

Wax Poetic

(Psa 113:3 KJV)  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

Are you a literalist?  Do you believe the Bible should be understood literally?  I am sorry to hear that because that puts you in an awkward position here.  We accept the fact that the “name” (8034) of the “Lord” (3068) is to be “praised” (1984b).  What about the time limitation put on it here?  Are we really only supposed to praise God during daylight?  I don’t think so and neither do you.

The Bible is full of poetic expressions that are not meant to be taken literally.  They are meant to touch a chord in your soul and get you saying “Yes” from your heart.

So?  Praise Him at all times, in all seasons and in all ways.  Let the poetic in you have a chance. 

Keep It Simple

(Pro 27:21 KJV)  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

I have a hard time with people saying nice things about me.  I never know how to respond.  If I reject their kind words it might seem like I am rejecting them.  They could be just trying to be kind.  A new bride who never had to cook and feels she must do so now might need some kind words even though you both know they are not deserved.  

I also don’t know how to offer a good word.  I want to be sincere but sometimes it is hard to find anything positive to say.  A three year old singing a song that you don’t understand is easy to “praise” (4110) with enthusiasm.  When they are 25 and try the same thing it is hard to find something nice.  I remember at summer camp when we were trying to help a shy young friend about how to compliment a girl he like, the best we could come up with was, “I really like the way you hold your fork.”  Honest but not helpful.

So?  A simple thank you is always appropriate as response.  In fact it can be also used in place of praise.  Instead of saying, “That was very nice” just say, “Thank you” and leave it at that.

Lost

(Psa 8:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

This word of praise is repeated at the end of this Psalm.  Notice that the first “LORD” (3068) [YHVH] is a different word than the second “Lord” (136) [adonay].  This is shown by the first being in all upper case letters.  What is on my radar today is that God is so “majestic” (117) that the Jews forgot how to pronounce His name.  

In a sense this is a good thing.  It puts us a few steps away from making His name a superstitious talisman that we wave around to manipulate and substitute for obedience.  It forces us to contemplate on who God is by His actions and words.  We ultimately come to know Him in the person of His Son, Jesus.  

So?  Praise Him and rejoice in Him.  He is beyond our comprehension in one way and yet we can know Him in another. 

Praise Storming

(Psa 148:9 KJV)  Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

(Proberbs 12 also Read)

This chapter of Psalms is a good example of a poetic spirit of worship getting carried away with praise.  The author has everything that pops into his head singing praises to God.  This verse reminds me of sitting out on my front porch, looking across the ridges of Texas hill country and feeling the same way.

Did you ever participate in the technique of “brains storming”?  You say anything that pops into your head and someone writes it down.  No evaluation or criticism is allowed during the session.  That comes later.  I think this was something like that.  Don’t try to base any scientific principles in the idea of fruit trees praising the Lord.  You will probably never be able to measure it.  You may understand why they would want to but I doubt if you could prove it in a lab.  I notice it does not have any test tubes praising the Lord.  Probably just an oversight.

So?  Live in Praise