Made to Praise

“Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,
    praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord!
    For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
    he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
    stormy wind fulfilling his word!

Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock,
    creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and maidens together,
    old men and children!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his majesty is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his saints,
    for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 148

Stars twinkle shine, clouds swell with water, fire and hail, snow and mist and stormy winds all fulfill God’s creating word. The Lord God has designed all things to praise Him, to reflect and resound with His glory. Angels, rulers, maidens, creatures, young and old, let them praise on the hills, among trees, in the air. Moments and life and breath are gifts to be spent in His exaltation! (Psalm 19:1)

This is a lofty calling! Burrowing in the necessities of daily duty can steal us away from our higher purpose, while the Lord intends they not be separate. Determined to be excellent, thorough, pleasing, we exhaust resources to achieve and complete many things here below without thought for how they reflect our Maker. The Creator beckons. ‘Pause and praise! Inhale my grace! Behold My beauty! Listen to creation’s song! Do this and everything for Me!’

What is it I was made to do? What distinct role do I play in my workplace, my church? What influence do I have in my home and community? Each of these is a position and place to praise the Lord and lift high His name. Each of these is an outlet for expressing joy and gratitude to the One who assigned my post for eternal purpose. How will I exalt God’s name and majesty where He has placed me this day?

How can I make this psalm my personal song? What efforts will I entrust to Him so He is noticed? How can my work and words magnify His attributes?

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Worthy Lord, may my demeanor, attitudes, words, and actions praise Your name and reflect Your loveliness, so You are sought and adored.