“Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!”
“Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!” Psalm 111:1-10; 112:1
The works of the Lord are manifold and great, manifested in brilliant splendor and majesty. They are to be delighted in as the loving result of His creativity and purpose, and studied to uncover God’s holy character, wisdom, and power. They are righteous, inspired by His mercy and grace. They are redemptive, accomplishing divine good and glory. They exhibit His sovereign authority, faithfulness, and justice, and are to be constantly remembered and praised.
In this world here below, we go about busy days, and only when we pause do we set to study- but then, many insignificant things. We know what is trending on social media and the news someone has determined we must be privy to, and fear. We can recite details to criticize about those whose lifestyle or vote is different from ours, and are experts ready to pontificate about everything that interests us. It is prudent to be knowledgable about the goings on in all God’s world, but we can be teased and distracted from knowing the God behind it all. Beware lest we begin to worship the expertise over the Expert, the created rather than the Creator. It takes earnest spiritual discipline to keep the Lord our primary focus and filter, but when we do, His works magnify His glories more than we ever imagined. (Romans 1:25)
What if I began everything– my morning, my quiet moments, my tasks, my exercise, my conversations- by praising the Lord? If I give thanks to Him in private and public, how would it affect what I next hear and see and do? Noting and delighting in particular attributes heightens my awareness when I see them expressed, and more praise issues forth.
When I have a curiosity, will I resist the urge to do a search, and instead take the time to wonder, ruminate on, and study the wondrous works of God? Filling my mind with the infinite goodness of Him will fill my days with praise, to the blessing of those around me and the glory of God.
Lord, keep me attentive to all facets of Your works, and ever responding in the humble thanksgiving and praise You are worthy to receive.
As the rain and snow 