The Theology Of Praise

Praise is the atmosphere of heaven, and we can enjoy that here on earth, as a Christian.

The authentic and radical Christian has the advantage in this. The world and its events do not control our praise. Our praise flows from within and is a reflection of God within us.

Our praise here is a reflection of heaven, which cultivates this lifestyle day by day.

Theme… The most misunderstood aspect of the Christian life is PRAISE.

The ultimate praise has nothing to do with the blessings in our life, but rather who we are in Christ. We may go through a very barren time of life. A time when nothing seems to be going right.

But our praise has to do with who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is praise from David’s perspective?

How do I cultivate praise?

I. INVESTING IN HOLINESS (1-2)

A financial investment requires a financial specialist, faithful commitment on my part, and constant evaluation.

When we come to a spiritual investment, it must be according to God’s standards. It must be an investment rooted in the word of God.

Just as a financial investment grows, so does the spiritual investment. This spiritual investment grows eternal values in our life, not earthly values.

The result is a life untainted and worthy of God in every respect.

II. INTENTIONAL HARMONY (3-5)

Some church groups do not allow instruments in their Sunday morning worship service. I’m not sure where they got this from, but they are robbing themselves of an opportunity of praise.

One thing many people don’t understand is the David invented all of these musical instruments. He designed them for praise.

If you look at this passage and these instruments, you need to understand the key is harmony. There are many instruments, but they play the same song and the same rhythm. If every instrument was playing a different song, it would be nothing but chaos.

Also, not only do they have to play the same song, but they have to be of the same rhythm. That’s where the band director comes in, I think.

I want you to look at this for a moment as a picture of the church gathering together on a Sunday.

We have different gifts and talents, and opportunities. We don’t look alike or dress alike or even talk alike. But like these musical instruments, we are focused on the same song. We are playing the same song in harmony, and this is the result of fellowship.

I say that this is intentional because it does not come by on its own, as Christians who gather together for worship and fellowship intentionally. We are coming together for a purpose, and that purpose is to join together in worshiping and praising God.

It is in this gathering that we learn how to pray one for another. This is essential.

The great importance of fellowship is getting to know one another on the spiritual level. It is then that we begin to realize that we are in a spiritual battle, and we need to stand together as soldiers of Christ.

Our most excellent witness to the world around us is our unity within us.

III. INSPIRATIONAL HAPPINESS (6)

Some have the idea that God doesn’t want us to be happy just to be holy. This only indicates that they don’t know what real holiness is all about.

It is my holiness that brings me to the point of presenting to God worthy praise. Christians should be the happiest people in the world. To such an extent that people want to know why we are so happy.

It is not that we do not go through sad times and challenging times, but that does not define us. What defines us is our relationship with God.

Praise is not a product of peace. Praise is a product of who we are in Jesus Christ. Peace comes and goes, and there doesn’t seem to be very much peace in the world around us.

My happiness in Christ will inspire people to want to know why I am so happy.

As I focus more on praising God, I begin to understand more of what it means to be a Christian.