Discover His heart: He dwells in the atmosphere of praise (Psalm 22:3)
I’ve never taken a journalism class but somewhere along the line I picked up the journalism mantra: Who, what, when, where, why and how. If I can answer these questions, then the story has been told! The sticking points are usually why and how, and they must be answered before the story is complete or before the case can be solved. This style of journalism was recorded as far as back as the first century B.C., but apparently, the writers of Psalms had a lock on it long before then.
Psalms, the glorious book of praise, ends with an inspirational summary in Psalms 149 and 150 that answers these journalistic inquiries. One day each week over the past year we have read example after example of David and other psalmists praising God in a myriad of life’s situations, the good, the bad and the ugly. These closing Psalms sum up the story of praise and its purpose in our lives and answer those vital questions about Praise: who, what, when, where, why and how.
WHO: “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (150:6)
WHAT: “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song.” (149:1)
WHEN: “Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful… Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds… Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands.” (149:1,5,6) Praise the Lord in church, in the home, and in battle – everywhere. “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” (34:1)
WHERE: “Praise God in His sanctuary; praise him in His mighty heaven!” (150:1) Visit Him in His sanctuary, at His feet and praise His holy name. “Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” (96:3) Publish, make known everywhere, your praise to the Lord.
WHY: “Praise him for His mighty works; praise His unequaled greatness! (150:2) Praise Him for who He is and what He does. “How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!” (147:1) It’s good, delightful and fitting to praise the Lord. “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (22:3) Our praises provide a dwelling place for Him to reign amongst us.
HOW: “Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!” (150:3-6) Praise Him with our instruments, our dancing, and our singing.
Well, there we have it! The story has been told. All of us are to praise the Lord, all the time, everywhere with our voices, our dance and our instruments because of Who He is and the great things He has done. Now to express one last bit of journalistic jargon: I’m going to put this story to bed!
Moving Forward: Singing praises…“In the morning, I can’t stop praising your name. In the evening, I can’t stop praising your name…” (Hillsong, Faletolu/Sampson)
Tomorrow @ Song of Solomon 7-8
Phyllis Benigas 