(Psalms 150, 2 Chronicles 29:25-28, Ephesians 5:19,20, Psalms 66:1-9)
Let us think of the type of thanksgiving that would be too much for a God who is praised non-stop (from eternity to eternity) in His abode in heaven. He who is so praised by His creations here on earth (Psalms 148).
Think of how worthy He is to receive our praise. Angel takes order from Him and report to Him yet His praise is talked about more, in all references of His Lordship than all these.
If He is asking for our praise could it be that He is hungry of praise or in need of our praise? No, if He particularly asks us, then, He is doing that so that we would also enjoy what those who praise him enjoys from Him. Those who know how to praise Him have a special place before Him. Our praise is not an element that keeps Him alive on His throne.
Does God complain that song from a sincere heart is not melodious? Even when people complain about how bad your voice is, God enjoys it, in as much as it is coming from a sincere heart. However, if we are rendering praise to God as a show off then He abhors it.
Let us sing new songs to God. The Psalmist says, I “will sing a new song to the Lord”. God is not judging how beautifully you composed your songs, only that you should compose it from a heart which really wants to give God a new song (Psalms 33:3).
Have we come across people learning instruments not just because of interest but because of how wonderful they think praising God’s with the instrument would be? (Psalms 150:3-5, 2 Chronicles 29:25-28)
(2 Chronicles 7:6) And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of music of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endures for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.
Before a secular singer, we can dance away every of our personalities, challenges and responsibilities but before our God we try to be cautious of our personalities, challenges and responsibilities – not to dance too much, David never thought of that? (2 Samuel 6:20-22)
Have you pulsed your thoughts about other things to only think of God and His praise.
We are all learning how to praise God from people like David, how many of our close families or friends has our praising God influenced?
Are we sure our praise to God is not done because it is a compulsion or custom to praise him?
We would rather tell our loved ones how wonderful they look (or are) but hardly can we tell our Lord how wonderful He is unless when traditions or compulsions call for it.
We can look at other people or things and accuse or blame God of not giving us what He gave them or making us like He made them. Hardly have we seen others or other things and ascribe glory to God praising His excellence.
We can repeat our requests before God numerous time but how many times do we even praise Him in a day for the ones He already answered?
We are good at describing how dreadful how challenges are to God but hardly can we tell our challenges how mighty our God is. (1 Samuel 17:46-47)
We can inconvenient ourselves to pray to God but hardly can we inconvenient ourselves to praise Him.
How many time do we remember the goodness of our God to us and ascribe the glory of the successes to ourselves instead of God? (1 Samuel 17:37)
Prayer point
1) Oh Lord, how great are You and how wonderful are Your works! (Psalms 144:9)
2) Lord, all that makes up my existence – body, family, possession etc extols You.
3) Lord, give me a heart that is sincere in/ with Your praise.
4) Father, give me a life of praise and thanksgiving which influences others to exalt You.
5) Lord, let your reign continue in my life, home and church.
