Day 27: Psalm 148

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

I often wonder what was happening in David’s life as he wrote the Psalms. Today’s psalm is no different for me. Did he wake up that morning worried about his children, job, finances, or health? Was he concerned about a big decision he had to make? Did he ever feel like we do? Sometimes praising God is not what we really want to do. I wonder if David ever showed up to a worship service with less than an attitude of gratitude. I know I have. Then the worship music starts and before I know it, my hardened, burdened, heavy, sorrowful heart is bursting with songs of praise to our God and King. I don’t think I’m the only one who has had times like this.

This Psalmist reminds us right from the start to praise the Lord (v. 1). The word ‘praise’ in this text means to celebrate, to shine, or to rave. We are also reminded that everything – the heavens, sea creatures, shining stars, young and old, princes and rulers of earth – is to praise the Lord.

Maybe today is a day when celebrating or raving about God is not what you feel like doing. I encourage you to read Psalm 148 and then read it again. Begin to speak out praises to the Lord. Praise Him for his presence in your life – for His love, grace and mercy.

I think of the lyrics from an old hymn that perfectly describe the shift that takes place within us when we praise Him:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

look full in His wonderful face,

and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

in the light of His glory and grace.

 

Jill Eberle | Facilities/Young Adult Admin.

Amy Tabler