Off and on, I’ve been pondering the idea of Christians saying, “Praise the Lord”.  It’s a rare thing for me to hear someone say that.  Actually, it’s a rare thing for me to say that.

Why is this?  Why is that not always the first thought that pops into my head when I hear news?  Why do I hesitate to say it verbally on the occasions I do think it?  Why do I instead wonder what the other person would think of me (even if it’s a brother or sister in Christ)? 

Why is His praise not constantly on my mouth? 

Why are His people not always giving Him glory for His mighty works?

Why are we afraid to say “Praise the Lord”?  Is not He the Author of every good thing?  Is not He the One Who controls the circumstances around us?  Is not He the One who sent His Son to take the penalty for our sin?  Isn’t He consistently generous to us?  Isn’t He always faithful?  Does He ever leave us?  No.  Does He ever lie to us?  No.  That would go against His nature.  Doesn’t He use unusual things to bring glory and honor to His name?  Doesn’t He do miracles in our daily lives?  Isn’t He alone to be feared?  Isn’t He like no other?  Ever?  Isn’t He the Author of miracles?  Isn’t He the living God?

God is worthy of worship.  He is holy.  (The meaning of the word “holy” is astounding.)  He knows the future.  He directs His children.  He gave us the Holy Spirit.  He constantly provides.  He is just.  He is to be obeyed on His terms.  He is light.  He’s the Forgiver.  The Cleanser.  The Advocate.  He’s Righteous.  He’s our Teacher.  He is greater than our hearts.  He is Truth.  He is Glorified.

He is enough.

Does not that make you want to just say, “Praise the Lord”??  Truly there is none like Him.  Surely we, of all people, have much to be in praise about. 

Psalm 40:9-10
“I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly;
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know. 
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness
and Your truth From the great assembly.”

Psalm 40:16
“Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!”

Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.”

Psalm 89:1
“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 108:3
“I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.”

Psalm 109:30
“I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth;
Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.”

Psalm 111:1
“Praise the LORD!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.”

-Bonnie