Praise Series

PRAISE THE LORD

By: C. Mason Davis

A religious woman, upon waking up each morning, would open her front door, stand on the porch, and say, “Praise the Lord!” This infuriated her non-believer neighbor who would always make sure to yell out her door, “There is no Lord!” One morning the neighbor overheard her religious neighbor praying for food, and, thinking it would be funny, she bought a bag of groceries and left them on her porch. The next morning the lady came out onto her front porch and saw the bag of groceries, raised her hands to the heavens and yelled, “Praise the Lord.” The evil neighbor laughed so hard she could barely get the words out, “It wasn’t the “so-called” Lord. It was me!” The lady, without missing a beat, raised her hands up towards the sky and said, "Praise the Lord for not only providing a bag of groceries, but you made the devil pay for it!”

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Psalm 150: 3-6, Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

It is to our benefit that we give glory to God through Praising Him. It is also to our benefit because the Bible demands it. It is an expression of his goodness to us that we glorify him, as this is what we were created for. We were created as worshiping beings. To give glory in the right place is to fulfil one of the very basic aspects of what it means to be human.

What is Praise? Praise is expressing the greatness, beauty, and excellence of something. This phrase, “Praise the Lord!” isn’t just a statement of excitement. If something good happens, you say, “Praise the Lord,” because you’re thankful.

How does the Bible say how you can praise the Lord? By your instrument and your voice—a heart expressing praise is the key! Your voice and your body expressing that praise. That's the most important instrument to play! Some ways to praise the Lord include singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, using words, taking actions, uprightness, and of course, using all our heart. Growing up in a Baptist Church, I was always taught that it’s wrong for Baptists to dance, but the Bible says otherwise. Dancing was a common part of worship during Jesus' time and was often performed during Jewish festivals and celebrations. Dances were usually accompanied by singing, hand clapping, or rhythm instruments, but not melodic instruments.

How do you praise? Do you sing, dance, or shout? Do you play an instrument? Are you alone? In a group? At home? In the car? Do you sing your praise when you’re in the shower? Don’t answer that! I don’t want to know.

Where do you praise the Lord? Psalm 150:1 “Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of His power.” Praise can be given anywhere and at any time. As long as it comes from your heart, you can also praise God directly by praying to Him. A huge part of Praising the Lord are prayers. Although you should praise him 7 times per day, you should pray to him 3 times daily, as well. Prayer is the simplest and surest way to convey appreciation. To God, sincere simple prayer given from the heart and expressing your thanks for the wonderful life you've been given will touch God deeply. There are no hard and fast rules about praying. Come to God just as you are. But remember though, ask not, receive not.

When do you praise the Lord? How often? Psalms 34:1-4 states, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O’ magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” So, praise when you’re sure, and praise when you’re doubting, praise when outnumbered, praise when surrounded, 'cause praise is the water your enemies drown in. Praise when you feel it and praise when you don't, and praise 'cause you know, God’s still in control.

The bible tells us that David had a vow of praise unto the Lord. Seven times a day he would praise the Lord, and three times a day he would pray to Him. For in Psalm 119:164 says, "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments." This scripture refers to the seven general time periods of the Hebrew day, from sunset to sunset. Notice your complaints and turn them into praise.