December 22

Sing His Praise 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:1-7 | Zechariah 2:1-3:10 | Revelation 13:2-18 | Proverbs 30:18-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:1-7

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:1   NIV).

Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:2  NIV).

For the psalmist, praise was a daily practice that he intended to continue for a lifetime. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy.

For the psalmist, meditation on the good things God has done was an important part of his prayer life. “I will meditate on your wonderful works.” God is at work all around us, but we often fail to slow down to see his hand at work. We fail to slow down to see his footprints –the evidences of his blessing and guidance in our lives. The psalmist knew the importance of meditating on the works of God.

The psalmist’s daily habit of praise and meditation was one that he intended to pass on to subsequent generations. “One generation commends your works to another.” A person whose life is characterized by praise has something to share with anyone who will listen. Such a person is needed to help the next generation put their hope in God. They too need to hear about God’s working in the lives of his people. They need to begin to look with eyes of expectance for the footprints of God’s activity in their lives.

Let your life be filled with praise. Meditate on the works of God. Remember the ways he has been at work in your life. Be sure to pass it on to the next generation. Praise is a practice worth passing on and on and on.

God, my King, I will exalt you and praise your name for ever and ever. Help me to pass on your goodness to the next generation. Amen.