Wednesday, September 28, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 146

Hallelujah! My soul, praise the Lord.

Psalm 146:1

Reflection: This is a psalm which begins and ends in praise, the highest praise that can be uttered to the LORD. The word “hallelujah” means “praise God.” It is a declaration of praise that the psalmist utters to the LORD. He directs his own soul to to give God praise. Actions and words, outward gestures of praise and worship that are expressed through the body are limited, for they the body is made but from dust. But praise that is given to God from the soul is praise that comes from the part of us which lives with God forever. This is the praise that is honoring to the LORD: the type that not only is shown by actions and words, but that which is prompted by the heart and given by the soul.

“Hallelujah” is not only a statement which gives praise to the LORD, but it is also an exhortation to all who hear it. It is an exclamation which calls all people to give God praise, the highest praise. How often can our praise be seen outwardly, while our hearts and souls are distracted from worshipping the LORD in the way He deserves. How often can the praise that we long to give from or hearts be stifled from distractions, doubts, or fears which make us hesitant to exalt our God. This is when we, like the psalmist, must call upon our weary soul and say, “my soul, praise the Lord.” This is how to give the LORD the highest worship, the highest exaltation, the highest praise to God. There is no excuse to limit our praises to Him. But there is every reason to give God the praise from our souls.

Prayer: O wondrous God, almighty and sovereign, I give You the highest praise. I credit You for the great things that You have done and continue to do. I give You praise for all that You are, and all You have revealed Yourself to be. You deserve all praise and all glory, LORD. Please help me to give You praise in all that I do. Please help me to lift up praise to You not only with my outward gestures, but with all of my being, with my heart and my soul. You deserve my praise, LORD. I pray these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Galatians 4:21-31; Lamentations 3-4; Psalm 146