Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
As we come to the end of this collection of prayers for help followed by endless praise for the God of Creation, we learn that the lessons are not quite over yet. There is another lesson that is “monumental” to living. The writer of Psalm 148, probably a worship leader, sings only praise to God for all He has done, is doing and will do in the lives of His people. Then, before we know it, another lesson in who WE are in our praise leaps off the page.
“…he’s built a monument–His very own people!”
WE are (or should be) God’s monuments of praise! How are we doing as monuments of His glory, grace, mercy and unending love? Do others in our family and those we work alongside KNOW we are monuments of praise to the God we say we love, follow, honor and obey? Do they look at us and say, “God built that in her”. God is still chiseling out His monuments of praise for Him each day we live here in preparation for life with Him forever. Let Him be the artist of His masterpiece…you and I! We are His people. We are created to praise. God built this into our being. If we are praising someone or something else then that makes God angry and sad. I want to make God smile on me. I accept His chiseling away at what He is building in me…an eternal monument of His praise! How about you?
Psalm 148, The Message
1-5 Hallelujah!
Praise God from heaven,
praise him from the mountaintops;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his warriors,
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, you morning stars;
Praise him, high heaven,
praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—
he spoke the word, and there they were!
6 He set them in place
from all time to eternity;
He gave his orders,
and that’s it!
7-12 Praise God from earth, you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and ice,
hurricanes obeying his orders;
Mountains and all hills,
apple orchards and cedar forests;
Wild beasts and herds of cattle,
snakes, and birds in flight;
Earth’s kings and all races,
leaders and important people,
Robust men and women in their prime,
and yes, graybeards and little children.
13-14 Let them praise the name of God—
it’s the only Name worth praising.
His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; he’s built a monument—his very own people!
Praise from all who love God!
Israel’s children, intimate friends of God.
Hallelujah!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise you with all that is in me. Even when inconveniences of life occur, I will praise you for solutions. When troubles come, I will praise you for help and rescue. When all is well, I will praise You for all is well with my soul…because of You. Only You.
in Jesus Name, Amen
