“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalm 138 (KJV)
I can’t imagine anyone being as arrogant or haughty as to refuse to worship or praise God, but such people do exist. They question why they should give anything more than lip-service to God. There are reasons: He has bestowed love and kindness upon us. He give us his truth. He has exalted his Word above himself. (Consider the ramifications of this fact.)
Those are broad theological reasons, but closer to where we live good reasons to praise and worship. At the time of our deepest need, He was there with the answer; He was there with strength for body and soul. O let us worship Him! Great is the glory of our God!
Despite his exalted glory, He considers humble individuals up close and personal. Humble folks do not rely on personal glory. They know they are not glorious. They know they must rely upon His glory. On the other hand, from a distance He discerns pride and self-exaltation.
You see, even when humble people are surrounded by trouble He sustains their lives. When the enemy attacks, He delivers those who know they need Him. He will finish the work he has begun in them, and use all that happens to them in a manner that completes their purpose in Him. Why should we be ashamed to worship Him? He alone is worthy of our whole-hearted praise!
Dear Father, thank you for your enduring mercy and grace. With the Psalmist, we pray that you would not abandon your work in us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in whole-hearted praise,
