The Joy of Praise

Asking me to study the Psalms is like asking a kid to check the dessert tray, so the assignment to study Psalms 111- 113, given by our Pastor, is just pure joy.

Her subject this week is “Reason for Praise” and these three Psalms form the text.

Psalm 111, a Psalm of Praise for what God has already done.
1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

This Psalm gives praise for deliverance and honors God for things to which the Nation of Israel can testify. This is a nation saying thanks to a protective Father who is a God of Provision.
This is a wonderful model for Praise of Thanksgiving!!! This is a model for the testimony of the many blessings rained down on us as Children of the Most High God.

(Psalm 112)1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Psalm 112 gives praise for the gift of wisdom. God has provided us with guidelines for living and this Psalm says “Thank You for showing me the way”. Just as Psalm 111 glorifies God for His honor and righteousness, Psalm 112 reminds His Chosen that we have obligations to be upright and full of compassion and righteousness.

Hosea 4:6 6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

When we are privileged to be placed in a fellowship which encourages and supports study of God's Word and application to our daily lives, we truly have reason for praise.

Psalm 113)1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 113 gives us the formula for Praise! “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.” This Psalm speaks of some of the rewards of keeping God at the forefront of our lives. It speaks of the power of the Most High, a God worthy to be praised!
There are many things we say over and over, either in formal services or general conversation, that we have forgotten, if we ever knew, the meaning of or origin. At the end of our Communion Service we note:

"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." (Mark 14:26)

How much more meaningful is this statement when we note that Jesus, following the practices of his Hebrew heritage, was singing one of these Psalms, 113-118, and that I can offer these same Songs of Praise to God. What a privilege. What an honor.
Father, God, I thank You, again, for placing me in a Church where the study of Your Word is the primary focus. I thank You for being a part of a fellowship of study, worship and service. I pray all of the Prayer of Jabez for this upcoming year, looking forward to being of greater service in the Kingdom of God.
I give special thanks for our Pastor who provides such a wonderful example for us all. I ask Your richest blessings in her life. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!