Readings for today: Psalms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118
The Lord deserves our praise. He deserves our praise for who He is and who He has revealed Himself to be. He deserves our praise for all He has made. He deserves our praise for all He has done. It’s why I love this section of the Psalms so much. The Psalmist almost runs out of words as he praises God. He praises Him for His faithfulness and mercy and compassion. He praises Him for His justice and righteousness. He praises Him for lifting up the poor and needy and making the barren the mother of many children. He praises Him for His transcendence over all other false gods. He praises Him for being Israel’s deliverer and protector. He praises Him for His loyal and steadfast love. Just reading these words opens my heart as the Holy Spirit reminds me of all God has done for me in my own life.
Yesterday, we worshipped on our hillside as a church family. We’ve been worshipping up there for over forty years. We gather there three or four times a year to praise God and it never gets old. Not for me. Every time I am up there, whether alone or with my church family, I think of the words of the ancient prophet Isaiah when he writes, “This is what the Lord says: “The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest?” (Isaiah 66:1 NET) Creation itself is God’s Temple. Built by His hands so He might fill it with His glory as the waters fill the sea. When I look out over the front range and see Pikes Peak to the south and Longs Peak to the north and Mt. Blue Sky directly to the west, I am in awe. Awe of who God is and what God has done. And the only response I can give is praise. When I consider what God has done for our church over the last forty years. The hundreds, if not thousands, who have come to faith. The work the Lord has done through us locally and globally to advance His Kingdom. Again, I am in awe of who God is and what God has done and the only response I can give is praise. When I think about all God has done for me in my life. Saving me in college. Giving me the gift of a godly wife. Four wonderful children. A loving family. Great friendships. Meaningful work. The opportunity to preach, pastor, teach, lead, and travel the world to spread the gospel. I am in awe. Awe of who God is and what God has done and the only response I can give is praise.
What about you? Let me encourage you to take some time today to reflect on who God is and all God has done for you and for those you love and give Him praise.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94