Praise is What I Do

Psalm 150

Deuteronomy 3:24 KJV 1900

O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

This week I began reflecting on God’s praise. Why do I praise Him the way I do. Why aren’t others praising Him. Why does it seem as though people have to be pushed and pressed to give Him glory. Some people think it doesn’t take all of that. And to that I say it takes more.

When I think about the goodness of God and all the things He has done for me Praise is what I do. Praise is a part of my life. It is not a mere moment in time. It is not a cliche. Something good to say in the moment that sounds good.

Praise is What I Do because

He’s worthy because of His, goodness, power, and love, acknowledging His perfect nature, creation, and sovereignty over all things. 

Praise is also a response to God's blessings, such as forgiveness, healing, mercy, and the provision of life's necessities. 

Praise draws people into God's presence, brings joy and victory, provides spiritual and mental strength during trials, and helps fulfill humanity's purpose of honoring Him.

We should praise Him because the Bible commands it

The Bible commands it verse 6 of Psalm 150

The Bible commands it.

As the Psalmist says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

Praise facilitates access to God. 

We know that the blood of Jesus that paves the way for our forgiveness from sin and relationship with God (Hebrews 10:19). That being said, our perpetual (never ending) praise provides a clear and unhindered passage. Therefore, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).

Praise is where God lives. 

Wait a minute, isn’t God omnipresent — everywhere, all the time? Absolutely! Yet His presence is especially intense in an atmosphere of praise. The Bible says God is “Enthroned upon the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). Places God in a position of supreme position and value. In our life and situation.

Praise promotes productivity. 

There is an activation that happens in the presence of our praise (Psalm 17:5-6). Does this mean crops are actually going to grow better where worship is present? Perhaps. Why not? I like Jack Taylor’s commentary in his book The Hallelujah Factor. “When we praise, productivity is maximized, fulfillment is realized and frustration is neutralized.”

Praise chases away despair. 

There’s no better way to beat the blues than to change our focus from self to God. Such a shift produces “the oil of gladness instead of mourning” (Isaiah 61:3). Isaiah 61:3 “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, To give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Praise is an effective weapon against the devil. 

The devil does not like praise. He was God’s worship leader (Isaiah 14), was kicked out of heaven and doomed to destruction due to his desire to be like God. He has hated praise ever since because of its reminder of what he gave up and can’t regain

God is worthy of it. 

“The Lord is great and worthy of our praise” (NCV). While it’s obviously good to encourage those around us, God alone deserves our heartfelt worship and supreme allegiance.

His Worthiness

God is inherently worthy of praise due to His perfect attributes, such as truth, holiness, infinite power, and knowledge. 

His Creation

The beauty and order of the natural world are a constant testament to God's greatness and power, prompting praise for His creative acts. 

His Blessings

People praise God for His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and all the benefits and provisions He bestows, including healing and redemption. 

His Actions

Praise is given for the mighty acts and miracles God performs, demonstrating His unique power and sovereignty. 

His Presence

Praise ushers people into God's presence, and in a spiritual sense, God lives and is enthroned in the praises of His people. 

Joy and Peace

Focusing on God through praise can shift perspective from self to God, leading to a deeper sense of joy and inner peace. 

Spiritual Warfare

Praise acts as a spiritual weapon against despair and spiritual forces, promoting a positive focus and inner strength. 

Faith and Trust

Praising God demonstrates faith and trust in His power and goodness, especially during difficult times, as an act of obedience. 

Fulfilling Purpose

By praising God, people fulfill their intended purpose, glorifying Him and acknowledging His authority over creation. 

Divine Nature

God's unchanging nature, eternal existence, compassion, and love are all reasons to praise Him. 

1. Created in God's Image:

Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.'" 

We are able to relate to God because we possess a spiritual nature.

Praise is What I Do because

2. God is Spirit: 

John 4:24 says, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Since humans are made in God's image, and God is spirit, it follows that humans also have a spiritual dimension. 

3. Spiritual and Physical Aspects:

1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

We are comprised of spirit, soul, and body. 

The spirit is the part that relates to God, the soul encompasses our mind and emotions, and the body is our physical vessel. 

4. New Creation in Christ:

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 

When someone becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, their spirit is said to be made new, while the physical body remains the same. 

This new creation is a spiritual transformation, reflecting a new life in Christ.