Most of us are known for
a handful of words or phrases we say all the time. Some we’ve made up, but most we have picked up from others.
“Praise the Lord” is one of those phrases I have picked up while being a Christian. It’s a phrase I say often… But could afford to put into practice more. I will say, that simple phrase is a great reminder of the working hand of our God in all things. It’s also a phrase that is popular in the Bible, especially in the Psalms where it is not only stated as a “Christianese” anthem, but carried out verse by verse and chapter by chapter.
Check it out…
Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Verse 4 states, “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered.”
How awesome is it that we can read about, remember, and can see what the Lord has done and continues to do through His gracious and mighty hands.
I want to encourage you to praise the Lord. Praise Him first. When you wake up, before you do anything else, praise Him. When something good happens in your life, praise Him. When a difficult situation arises, praise Him. When life is looking dark, praise Him. When your kids are in ear shot, praise Him. When it’s obvious you did such a great job, praise Him alone. As verse 1 tells us, praise Him with the congregation. And when you are reminded of the blood that was shed to forgive your sins, praise Him again.
And while you are at it, read a psalm everyday, sing a song that praises His name, and meditate on the character of our God. Because as Psalm 113:5 reminds us, “who is like the Lord our God.”
You already know the answer to that question, but say it with me anyways…
No one is like our God!