Wednesday August 25, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 113 

Let the name of the Lord be praised both now and forever. 

Psalm 113:2

Reflection: Praise is something that should never be given lightly. It is something that is earned. It is something that is given rightly only if it is deserved. The psalmist shows how to best praise the LORD in the way that he invites the people of God to ascribe this praise to Him. First, the people of God are to praise God as servants of Him. When Israel praises God, they are exalting Someone Who is already high above them. This type of praise is much different than would be given between commrades. Proper praise to the LORD assumes the given that God is not being lifted in praise from a lowly place or from a place of equality with humankind. No, He is already exalted, and does not need our praise to dwell high above, but does deserve to be acknowledged as high and lifted up. Servants of God are praising an already exalted God. Second, the people of God are to praise the Name of the LORD.The God they praise is not a god of their wishful thinking. The LORD is praised as the God He has revealed Himself to be. He is not a God Who grants wishes, but a God Who fulfills His Will. Praising the Name of the LORD is praising the True God of the Bible, Who is infinite, righteous, and holy. Proper praise must be given to the Real God. Third, the people of God are to praise the LORD constantly. His praises among His people should never cease. Though God is high above the heavens and the earth, He is not too far to raise the lowly and to meet the needs of the least of these. This faithful God never forsakes His people. Just as His blessings, His care, and His love rain down upon His children constantly, so should praise be lifted up to Him.

Who but the LORD is deserving of such praise that we can give from our whole hearts? He brings comfort, joy, and peace which is otherwise unknown. Oh, praise the LORD people of God! Let the earth resound all that we can muster in worship of Him.

Prayer: Loving God, You are worthy to be praised! I exalt You as You sit enthroned in majesty. My Sovereign King, I worship You alone. You are the One Who holds the heavens and the earth in Your Hands. You Will all of Creation into existence and see its every move. You alone work Your Will throughout the universe, and orchestrate time and space as You please. Who am I to know You? Who am I that You have revealed Yourself to me, LORD? I am thankful that You love me, that You know me, that You go before me in all things. Help me to give You ceaseless praise, LORD. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Isaiah 14-16; Psalm 113