Psalms of Honesty and Praise
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Praise Ye The Lord!
Remember, as kids at church in youth group, we would divide into two groups with one group singing the Hallelu’s and the other group singing the praise ye the Lord words? We also had to stand and sing it strong because we were in competition with each other to see which group could sing the loudest. I’m still not sure of the theological depth of reason for this act but I look back and smile at our leader’s efforts to get us up out of seats to praise the God we say we love. I do remember thinking and wondering if Jesus had to do this when he was in synagogue?
With the creative music and talented musicians we have today, it’s not too hard to get up out of our seats to praise God when you go to a place where people are actively seeking and following God, loving God and loving each other! Our worship pastor leads us to God’s throne with a heart of compassion and love of God that is contagious. It is not for show. It is not another episode of America’s Got Talent, rather it is a house full of people who love God and love each other. We look up to God and smile. We look from side to side and see people who smile because they, too, have found God and want to worship Him. We are grateful for how God worked in our lives the past week so we come together to thank Him and give Him glory and praise.
Our hearts, minds and souls along with our voices are set free to worship with all that is in us. We are not in competition with each other to see who can sing the loudest and best. We are empty ourselves before God because of all He has done for us, ready to be filled once more of His love.
This is amazing grace! HIS LOVE has taken over our very lives! This small psalm of praise packs a punch this morning in my mind as I reflect on the pure praise of our God, our Father in Heaven, Our Creator and the lover of our souls.
Psalm 117, The Message
1-2 Praise God, everybody!
Applaud God, all people!
His love has taken over our lives;
God’s faithful ways are eternal.
Hallelujah!
And I’m singing...(This is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham)
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
This is amazing graceThis is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You’ve done for me
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings …
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! To You be all glory, honor and praise! Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in our lives…in my life. I am and will be eternally grateful.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 