“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!” Psalm 148:1-2
This book of vast poetry and song, The Psalms, is filled with reminders of the steadfast love of the Lord—even when in pain and loss—and the reverberating response of praise to the Lord. How fitting, as we approach the conclusion of the book, to end with back-to-back echoes of praise. Praise comes from the heavens and the heights. Praise comes from angels and hosts. Those closest to the Lord praise him first!
“Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!” Psalm 148:3-4
Creation praises the Lord. The sun, moon, and stars all shout praise to his name as a testimony to us. The heavens above praise his name. I remember standing in the African bush at night and marveling at the glory of the night sky. I was compelled to offer up praise. Ecclesiastes 5:2 reminds us that he is in heaven, and we are on earth—that’s wise counsel, a good reminder, for your everyday life.
The created order praises the Lord because it knows it exists because the Lord of creation created it. The created recognizes it is sustained by the Creator. Sea creatures praise him from the depths of the sea. Take note of the obedient worship of fire, hail, snow, mist, and stormy wind. Each fulfills his command without question.
“For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies.” Folliot S. Pierpoint, “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Have you ever seen a mountain refuse to offer its praise? If you’re observant enough, you’ll recognize that mountains, hills, fruit trees, cedars, beasts, livestock, creeping things, and flying birds are teaching you, leading you to offer awe-filled praise at God’s greatness. He is a masterful Creator worthy of praise.
“Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children!” Psalm 148:11-12
The psalmist crescendos his message by adjuring all kings and all peoples to praise the Lord. All princes and rulers across the globe should bow in humble praise. From the rulers to young men and maidens, all should offer their adoring praise. Old men and children, too, should worship and praise the Lord.
It doesn’t take a biblical scholar to recognize that we are all intended to praise the Lord. From the powerful to the weak, all must take their place kneeling before the Lord. All peoples at all times—especially times of pain and loss—are to praise the Lord.
The psalmist doesn’t leave us without reason. There is ample inspiration to praise our good God. We praise the Lord for his name is the only one worthy of exaltation. No other would-be god deserves our adoration. We praise the Lord because we see his majesty displayed before us. His power is evident. His goodness is evident. His worth is evident.
Praise the Lord!
“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 148:13-14
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Yes, Praise Him in all times, good or hard.
Absolutely, Lynn! He is worthy of our praise at all times! He alone is to be exalted. Thank you for your encouragement.
This season really underscores why we should praise Him!!
Amen, Bill. It’s always good to hear from you!