Scripture
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,
who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 113:1–9, ESV)
Thoughts
The psalmist tells us to praise the Lord, and he gives us many reasons for doing so! We’re told to praise the Lord from sunrise to sunset. What does praise even mean? It means to brag about the Lord, to express admiration, to honor and worship him. We are to applaud the Lord and gratefully describe all his wonderful characteristics.
There is no one like the Lord, and he is “high above all the nations.” That alone is worthy of praise! Can you compare the Lord to your best day? Nope! There is nothing like him. Can you compare him to your closest friend? Nope! He is so much better.
Are you poor and needy? Look at what the Lord does: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.” He lifts us up with practical and life-changing help. He is worthy of our praise.
Application
How might you praise the Lord, even in the midst of your present conflict? When you woke up this morning, did you praise him? I double-dog dare you to stop looking at your circumstances and start praising God! Start telling him how marvelous he is. Talk about what he is doing instead of what you think he isn’t doing.
Are you relationally “poor and needy”? The Lord will lift you up. Give him praise for what he will do. Thank him and worship him.
Prayer
Lord, you are awesome! You are powerful; you are faithful; you are amazing. Lord, I praise you for your unfailing love…. Continue praying.
P. Brian Noble