The Power Of Praise: Transformed By God's Majesty Series

The Power of Praise: Transformed by God's Majesty

Introduction:

Today, we delve into the depths of Psalm 118:29, a verse that encapsulates the essence of praise and worship. Join me as we explore the transformative power of acknowledging and exalting the greatness of our God.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." (Psalm 118:29, NLT)

In this verse, we are urged to express gratitude to the Lord because of His inherent goodness. The goodness of God is not contingent upon our circumstances but is an intrinsic part of His character. His love endures through all seasons of life, unwavering and steadfast.

Point 1: The Character of God

Our journey begins with an understanding of the character of God. Psalm 118:29 declares, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!" Here, we encounter the foundational truth that God is inherently good. His goodness permeates every aspect of His being and extends eternally. As believers, we are called to acknowledge and celebrate this attribute of God, recognising His unwavering faithfulness and love towards us.

The Hebrew word for "good" in this verse is "tob," which signifies moral excellence, kindness, and generosity. It speaks to the inherent nature of God, emphasising His purity and benevolence. The phrase "His faithful love endures forever" reinforces the enduring nature of God's love, which remains constant and unchanging throughout all circumstances.

"As we praise God for His goodness, we align our hearts with His divine nature and invite His transformative power into our lives." - Beth Moore

Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

Here, the psalmist invites us to experience God's goodness firsthand. Just as one tastes food to discern its flavour, we are encouraged to seek the Lord and discover His goodness for ourselves. Those who find their refuge in Him are blessed with abundant joy and peace.

Nahum 1:7 - "The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him."

This verse reassures us of God's goodness and His role as a stronghold in times of trouble. When we place our trust in Him, He draws near to us, offering comfort, protection, and strength.

Point 2: The Practice of Praise

Moving forward, we delve into the practice of praise. Psalm 118:29 exhorts us to "give thanks to the Lord." Praise is not merely a spontaneous expression of gratitude but a deliberate act of worship. It involves verbal affirmation, adoration, and exaltation of God's attributes and deeds. When we engage in genuine praise, we shift our focus from our circumstances to the greatness of our God, experiencing a transformative encounter with His presence.

The act of giving thanks in Hebrew, "yadah," goes beyond mere verbal acknowledgment. It conveys the idea of extending one's hands in worship and surrender, symbolising a posture of humility and reverence before God.

"Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace, we learn to sing, and in glory, we continue to sing." - Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 95:1-2 - "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him."

Here, the psalmist calls us to worship the Lord with joyful hearts and thankful spirits. Singing praises to God is an expression of gratitude for His goodness and a recognition of His sovereignty as the Rock of our salvation.

Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."

Point 3: The Impact of Praise

Finally, we explore the profound impact of praise on our lives and communities. When we exalt the goodness of God, we invite His presence to dwell among us. Psalm 22:3 affirms, "God inhabits the praises of his people." As we cultivate a lifestyle of praise, we experience transformation from the inside out. Fear gives way to faith, despair to hope, and brokenness to wholeness. Our praises not only uplift our spirits but also serve as a beacon of light to those around us, drawing them closer to the source of all goodness and love.

The word "inhabit" in Hebrew, "yashab," denotes God's intimate presence dwelling among His people. It signifies His active involvement in the midst of our praise, bringing about supernatural breakthroughs and transformations.

"Praise is the most effective weapon against the enemy. When we lift our voices in worship, darkness flees, and victory is assured." - Unknown

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 - "After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: 'Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!' At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves."