Book V
Book V is an invitation to exuberant praise; it is worship in light of God’s covenant love, His Word, and the reminder that His promise of David’s neverending throne would be fulfilled in the Messiah.
I attended a funeral yesterday, one that left me slack-jawed with wonder. It was a beautiful celebration of a man, to be sure, by his family, friends, and a community who will feel the loss of him deeply. Yet, I’ve never been so struck by the idea that life can be understood as a song, and humans as instruments of praise.
What struck me so much about the service is how a life will continue to sing days, weeks, and years after the man, a vessel of praise, breathed his last breath. The lyric and music ring out and thrum, echoing and joining with a chorus of saints for all time and eternity, singing, “Hallelujah! My soul, praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 146:1–2).
The Hebrew word hallelujah is an exhortation to “praise Him,” Him being Yahweh, “Maker of heaven and earth” (v.6). We are to acknowledge Him in our actions, give thanks to Him in our hearts, proclaim His goodness and faithfulness in our testimony, uttering praise to Him even with our breath (Psalm 145:7). In today’s reading, the writer of Psalm 150 invites and implores us to actively do just that: “Let everything that breathes praise the LORD. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:6).
This is an act of vulnerability, requiring us to lay down our will to seek His, and so who we believe God to truly be matters. Each psalmist from today’s reading sets out to remind us, and likely themselves, of who God is, what He has done, and why He alone is worthy of our praise. He exhorts all creation—from angel armies in the highest heavens to creatures that crawl in the earth’s temporal dust—to praise Him (Psalm 148:1–6). We’re reminded that the Lord is just and holy, His acts mighty and awe-inspiring, yet He’s also “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love” to everyone and everything He’s made (Psalm 145:8–9). His greatness and power are unsearchable, completely unfathomable to our minds (v.3).
Take this in: “the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). In a world that shifts its attention and devotion on a whim, the Lord is constant and does not swerve from His purposes. His is a love worthy of our loud, joyful, and unabashed praise, with all the instruments available to us but none more vital than our quiet, awe-filled devotion. As long as we have breath, may our days whisper His song. May the testimony of our lives never cease to sing about His wonder. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Singing the praises of our Lord this morning. What a great way to start the day and kickoff the weekend. Amen and Amen!
Amen. My heart grieves for my home country and the Queen’s Family. She was so humble, and every Christmas was all about Jesus,all the time.
Ever have one of those days that when you read something you read it incorrectly and it makes no sense? Well that’s the type of day I’m having today. I’ve had to reread the Scriptures and the devotional multiple times because my brain just doesn’t want to read it right the first time.
I’m PRAISING GOD, CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT today for multiple reasons but one special reason, my son and daughter-in-law called me last evening to let me know they are naming my grandson — she’s due the end of April if all goes well — after my father and oldest son, they were both named George (my oldest son — who died in 2003 — was named after my dad). I was in tears, happy tears. God is wonderful, loving, awe-inspiring, and gracious Lord.
Lord God I thank You from the bottom of my heart for all that You have done for me. Many times I don’t understand why at that moment but eventually the reason is revealed. You are a LOVING, GRACIOUS AND WONDERFUL GOD who I know I can turn at any time, day or night. Thank You for ALWAYS being there for me. Amen.
Sisters, be blessed and smile because it’s contagious. Have a great weekend.
Macie Mae. Thank you for the quote from Queen Elizabeth. Amen and Amen
This fits perfectly to Her Majesty the Queen. She is truly an example to all of us on how to be selfless and a servant to all until the end.
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!”
AMEN and AMEN!!
Good Morning She’s!
Reading the Psalms this morning, I look back and see the constant of God. When I was leading my own path, going astray, I was a mess. A Big Giant Mess. That was my college years, the 20’s, where you are striving to find your way in an adult world. I did love God, but I wasn’t aware that I must follow His will in my choices and actions. I have been back on God’s path for over 20 years now. Reading the bible and staying grounded on the rock of truth DAILY is the ONLY way to live in Glory! Abundant Joy! He is the same God yesterday, today, and tomorrow. That is truth. We choose to believe it in faith or not, but like someone else says, it doesn’t change the truth that he is the Lord of all Lords! And the closer you draw into Him, your thoughts and actions change for Him. We much teach this to our future generations. It filled my heart with joy to buy a cross necklace for my 14-year-old grandson last night. He is the one in such a struggle with his family and self-worth. I hope he will wear it with confidence that he can turn to God in his pain and struggles.
@Traci G- Where have you been, miss ya!
@Angie- Miss you, how is school this new year?
Hallelujah! Let us join all of nature, all the saints, all the elders, all of heaven and PRAISE HIM!!!! HE IS GOOD, AND HIS GOODNESS ENDURES FOREVER!!