"A Pattern Of Praise"

Introduction:

We find ourselves this morning in the middle of the book of I Chronicles. David is in the height of his kingship and is attempting to restore many of the glories to the nation of Israel. One particular thing of interest was getting the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. (I Chronicles 13:3)

Most of us know the story that unfolds here. They placed the ark of God on a new cart being pulled by a team of oxen. (BTW: That is not the method instructed by God for transporting the ark.) The oxen stumbled and Uzza put forth his hand to steady the ark and was smitten immediately by God.

Frustrated, David left the ark nearby at the house of Obededom for three months. Then in chapter 15, he attempts the second time to move the ark back to Jerusalem. But, this time, let's do it God's way!

I Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

Lo and behold, it worked!

Hudson Taylor said, "God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply". Can I add that it will not lack his blessing either!

By verse one of chapter sixteen, the ark was back in its rightful place.

Their first reaction = Lets worship God the way intended.

They offered up burnt sacrifices and offerings.

Then David sat everyone down, fed them, and laid out a plan: We need a group of people focused on thanking and praising God!

Verse 4 - He chose a group of men just for this purpose.

These men were musicians, singers, and men of God

First one: Asaph, the author of Psalms 73-83

These men had one duty ---> Give Praise Unto God!

An established group moving forward -- (Final chapter of Nehemiah)

So, David decided to give them an example of what he wanted: Verse 7

Let's tune up boys...Psalm 105

Why Psalm 105?

Because in it, we find a "Pattern Of Praise"

Let's examine that "Pattern of Praise" together for a moment this morning.

If you want to know, "How am I to praise the Lord?" Here it is:

I. Our Praise Should Be Directed Toward God Alone

Watch what happens here in this Psalm excerpt:

Verse 8: unto the Lord, his name, his deed

Verse 9: sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, his wondrous works

Verse 10: his holy name, seek the Lord

Verse 11: Seek the Lord, his strength, seek his face

Verse 12: his marvelous works, he hath done, his wonders, his mouth

Verse 13: his servants, his chosen ones

Verse 14: He is the Lord, his judgments

Verse 15: his covenant, he commanded

We could go on...but I believe that you get the point!

Our praise and worship should be directed to Him!

Our praise and worship is for Him!

Many people will say: I just don't enjoy the praise and worship at such and such a church. Well good, it wasn't meant for you anyway!

The entire purpose of this passage:

David set aside a group of people to

"Thank and praise the Lord God of Israel"

When you are talking about praise and thanksgiving this week:

It should be directed to the Lord and the Lord alone!

Give thanks unto Him!

Sing unto Him! Listen this morning: It is all about HIM!

Glory in Him!

Seek Him!

Our praise should be directed to God Alone!

II. Our Praise Should Be Centered Around God Alone

Sometimes our praise gets off base.

EX. Have you ever been involved in a project where you did a line share of the work and then your boss or someone else took all the credit?

That is what happens when we involve ourselves too much in the work that God accomplished. Don't allow your praise to be centered around you, around your actions, or even around the event that brought it all together.

Be sure that your praise is centered around HIM!

In verse 11: We are reminded to Seek the Lord.

Seek Him in everything!

Seek Him in every accomplishment & provision.

Verse 12 lays out some areas in which you can see God:

1) His Works - What He Has Done

The nation of Israel could give out a pretty hefty list. David could compile an impressive list of his own.

(Deliverance, parting seas, slaying giants)

But don't just get got up in the BIG things. God is at work everyday in our lives!

Did you praise Him for your health and strength this morning?

Did you praise Him for the provisions of life this morning.

Did you praise Him for your church this morning?

EVERYTHING is a work of God! Praise Him for it!

2) His Wonders - Who He Is

He doesn't just deserve praise for what He does, but also simply Who He is!

Later in this chapter David leaves Psalm 105 and starts writing another.

Look with me beginning in verse 23-29

Declare His Glory, Great Is The Lord,

Glory and Honor are in His Presence!

Why? Because of Who He Is!

Strength and gladness in his place!

Who He is makes all the difference.

Give Him glory...Due unto His name!!!

3) His Words - What He Has Said (vs. 12)

David here is reminding the children of Israel of the covenant of God in verses 13-22. He is exhorting them to remember the promises of God and His covenant.

There are times in your life you just need to get into God's Word and praise Him for what you find!

Can't find a reason for praise this morning?

Let me give you sixty-six books to read that are full of reasons to praise and honor God!

III. Our Praise Should Magnify God Alone

Now watch this final part

Our praise should be directed to God alone, Our praise should be centered around God alone, and finally Our praise should magnify God alone!

There are several statements throughout this passage that serve as reminders to us. They remind us of the purpose of our praise. The purpose is that the Lord be magnified!

Notice:

1) Verse 8 - Make His deeds known among the people

2) Verse 24 - Declare His glory among the heathen

3) Verse 24 - Declare his marvelous works among all nations

4) Verses 30,31 - Let men say among the nations: The Lord reigneth

Our praise is meant to magnify God before lost men!

We are quick to praise at church, among our Christian friends..

How often are we praising His name among the heathen?

Throughout the Old Testament: "That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" was the intent and purpose of many of the mighty works and miracles of God!

In the same way, our praise should be proclaimed that all the earth may see the majesty and honor of the God we serve!

Our praise should magnify Him alone!

Conclusion:

In this chapter we see a clear "Pattern of Praise"

Directed to Him alone

Centered on Him alone

Magnifying Him alone

A pattern is something that is meant to be followed.

Is this the pattern of praise that is evident in your life day in and day out?

Are you giving unto Him the glory due unto His name?

May we today like David, deliver first and foremost our praise unto a well deserving Almighty God.