THE PRACTICE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

May 05, 2020

It is our worst trait and most natural tendency. Although God has made Himself abundantly known, we ignore Him and “worship and serve the creature and not the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Life becomes about us and not about Him. This diverted vision affects us in ways beyond our comprehension. It narrows our view and confines our lives. It is the source of all pettiness and selfishness. It is the sole source of our worry and fear.

When we lose sight of God we interpret all of life humanistically. We lose the eternal perspective and cannot possibly understand the meaning of all things … even the purpose of our own lives.

In the center of the Bible is the longest book, designed to lift our eyes to Him. The Psalmist calls us to praise Him in all things, in all places, in every way. In the final words of the Psalms (Psalm 148-150) the word “praise” is mentioned 33 times in 29 verses. There is no question about what we should be doing each and every day. Let the rich content of these verses lift your eyes to heaven.

EVERYTHING IN THE HEAVENS PRAISES HIM!

• all His angels
• all His hosts
• sun and moon
• all stars of light
• the highest heavens
• the waters above the heavens

EVERYTHING ON THE EARTH SHOULD PRAISE HIM!

• sea monsters and all deeps
• fire and hail and snow and clouds
• stormy wind
• mountains and hills
• fruit trees and cedars
• beast and cattle
• creeping things and birds
• Kings and all peoples
• princes and all judges
• young men and virgins
• old men and children

WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM FOR WHO HE IS!

• He is our Creator
• He is our King
• He is our Savior
• His name alone is exalted
• His glory is above the earth and heaven

WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE!

• He takes pleasure in His people
• He makes beautiful the afflicted ones with salvation
• for His mighty deeds
• according to His excellent greatness
• He has lifted up for us a horn of salvation
• He has established us forever
• He has brought us near to Him
• He has made a decree which will not pass away

WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM IN EVERY PLACE!

• in the heavens
• in the heights
• in His sanctuary
• in His mighty expanse
• on our beds
• in our mouths
• as we execute judgment on the nations
• in the congregation of the godly ones
• in His mighty expanse

WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM IN EVERY WAY!

• with a new song
• with singing and dancing
• with timbral and lyre
• with trumpet sound and harp
• with stringed instruments and pipe
• with loud cymbals and resounding cymbals

And here is the Psalmist's final summary …

LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!

Soon, for those of us who are in heaven, we will realize how foolish our griping, complaining, narrow-minded, doubting, self-absorbed, fearing lives were and how greatly and consistently we should have praised the One who is over all and through all and in all. We will have no problem there with unceasing praise. But it would wise and the best possible thing for our souls and our world to begin unceasing praise here. Everyday. All the time. In all things.

And it would be good to start today.

Father, forgive me for my undirected gaze. For looking down instead of up. For begin centered upon me instead of You. Lift my vision, Lord. Let my lungs be expanded with the air of heaven and my mouth filled with unceasing praise. Help me to praise You today in every place, through everything, with every means possible. Let my every breath praise You! And thank You that soon this lack of praise will be forever resolved.

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