Sunday afternoon at the Salvation Army in Ripley, Major Ruth reminded us
of what praise is and what it isn't. The word praise appears 237 times in the
bible, 52 times in the Psalms. The Psalms are a wonderful expression of praise
to God, for who He is and what He has done.
We
can praise the Lord with singing, playing an instrument, with dancing. King
David danced before the Lord. But the most important thing is the motive, if
our praise is because we love the Lord then it is acceptable to God. He loves
to hear the praises of His people when they praise Him in Spirit and in truth.
We praise Him because He created everything, the Psalmist looked to the heavens
and praised the Lord of hosts, asking the question "What is man that you
are mindful of Him?" But God is mindful of us. Not only is He mindful of
us He loved us so much that he gave His Son for us. It is because of the
sacrifice on the cross of Calvary when His Son, Jesus Christ gave His life, He
took the punishment for our sin. We are set free from the world, from sin, and
from the powers of darkness. When God's Judgement Day comes all those in Christ
will be found guiltless, we came from dust but if we are born again we are
destined for glory that is something to praise the Lord for. Our hearts should
be overwhelmed within us for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. So much so that
our lips everyday should sing praises to the God who loves us.
When
we praise God our focus is on Him and not on ourselves. Negative feelings are
put to one side, you can't praise the Lord and think negative thoughts! You
focus on His majesty, might and power. His justice, mercy and grace. We can use
His word, the Bible, there are a wealth of songs that have been written from
scripture, that proclaim God's goodness, kindness, His sacrificial love. If we
love the God of our salvation, we will not be able to help but praise Him.
But
Major Ruth reminded us of what praise isn't, it isn't focused on the person
praising, it isn't entertainment, it isn't about lights, and ice machines, it isn't
about looking cool. It isn't about the worship leaders, it isn't about jumping
up and down, and working ourselves up into some kind of frenzy or hysteria. It
isn't supposed to be a habit, or a duty, or a ritual all these things play into
Satan's hands and he will use them to keep our focus away from God. Praise is
always a heart attitude. If you are going to church because you just enjoy the
praise, because you just like having a good time but you don't have a personal
relationship with the One whom you are supposed to be praising then you have a
problem that needs to be addressed. If you are not born again and have a
personal relationship with God, then your praise is going no further than the
roof.
You
can praise the Lord anywhere, any time. You can praise the Lord out loud in
your own home, or quietly in your heart at work or in the supermarket as well
as in fellowship with other believers.
God
takes delight in the praises of His people, but if you are not His then your
praise is nothing more than an empty action. Praise isn't about feelings, you
don't praise God because you're feeling good and everything is going right for
you. You praise God because he is God! Paul praised God while he was in prison,
if you are praising God because He is God then you can praise Him in any and
every circumstance no matter how good or how bad it is.
I will sing unto the Lord
as long as I live
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being
My meditation of Him shall be sweet
I will be glad, I will be glad in the Lord
Bless thou the Lord, O my soul
Praise ye the Lord
Bless thou the Lord, O my soul
Praise ye the Lord
Bless thou the Lord, O my soul
Praise ye the Lord
Bless thou the Lord, O my soul
Praise ye the Lord
© 1972 His Eye Music/Multisongs/EMI Christian
by Donya Brockway
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