“Shout joyful praises to God . . tell the world how glorious He is.” Psalm 66:2 NLT.
Life is best described in the vocabulary of praise.
My thoughts and comments today are about “joyful praises.”
In every life, there is more for which to be grateful and joyful than you might first realize. Yet, there are occasions when life is challenging, when things do not go as you wish. At such moments, your focus may shift to regrets, disappointments, and uncertain fears about what’s ahead. But there is an alternative. You neither choose not control what happens to you, but you can choose what happens in you. Guard and govern wisely the domain of your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Nothing intrudes there without your permission to enter or remain.
The Psalms overflow with man’s honest struggles and victories, but always declare God’s praise. Reading Psalms, my impression is that the word, “praise,” occurs more frequently there than any other book of the Bible. Life is best described in the vocabulary of praise. There are many who will only know God as you describe Him to be.
Fittingly, this Psalm begins with effusive rejoicing and praise. “Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of His name! Tell the world how glorious He is.” Psalm 66:1-2 NLT. Praise is more volitional than emotional, a lifestyle that recognizes the Person and power of God and is not subject to your mood of the moment.
Read all of this Psalm. Here are my observations of this Psalm. As well as what you say to others about God, praise is your personal conversation with God. ”Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds! Your enemies cringe before Your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship You; they will sing Your praises, shouting Your name in glorious songs.’” Read Psalm 66:3-4 NLT.
The Psalms are for all seasons. The psalmist seems unable to contain his joy. He rehearses the record of God’s faithfulness in the national history of Israel and all nations. “Come see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He does for His people . . for by His great power He rules forever and ever.” Read Psalm 66:5-7. Praise shines brightest and rings truest in life’s difficult times.
Joyful praises can be the expression of heart with which you live on days both good and bad. “You have tested us, O God . . purified us . . captured us . . we went through fire and flood. But You brought us to a place of great abundance.” Read Psalm 66:8-15 NLT. Praise remembers the disciplines of God while rehearsing God’s faithful character. See Psalm 100:4-5 NIV. Prayer changes things but praise changes you. See Psalm 34:1 NKJV.
Praise gives voice to your personal story. “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He did for me. For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke . . He paid attention to my prayer.” Read Psalm 66:16-20 NLT. Praise is the natural companion for effective prayer.
My prayer for you today is that His praise flows naturally and gratefully from your heart.