Praising God!

Psalm 13-15 Singing

The psalmist is singing because the Lord has vindicated him. I loved the MSG reading, “I am singing at the top of my lungs, I am so full of answered prayers.” Are we singing today as we enter our houses of worship? When we sing, do we ponder all He has done for He is a faithful conqueror? Let the god of this world take note: we sing because the true God has been faithful to answer all our prayers. Get thee behind me, Satan for your time is short and today we choose to honor the Christ who paid for my/our sin (s). 

Singing is God’s Prescription for Anxiety

Singing is our prescription to anxiety

Ps 94-96 Facing Anxieties? Sing!

The psalmist shares his “antidote” to his anxious heart: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” [Ps 94:19] He then offers his medicinal prescription: “O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation” [Ps 95:1] and further: “Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.”Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.” [Ps 96:1-2]

Today I grabbed my BSF hymnal and rejoiced in song (hope you weren’t listening because I only make a joyful noise.)  and sang away. My favorite is the God of Abraham praise!

The God of Abraham praise,
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of Everlasting Days,
and God of Love;
Jehovah, great I AM!
by earth and heaven confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name
forever blest.

“Praising God in Song”

1Chron 16 There are exciting and powerful nuggets in the OT.  For instance, the prayer of Jabez in 1Chron 4 and the prayer of Nehemiah are very similar. Check them out. Now in 1Chronicles, we have insight into the praise and worship of the Israelites. The author saved it as an example of our praise and worship.

If you take time to read this praise and worship hymn that David recorded for the people, you will see that the focus is on God, not “me.”  It seems that lately, many of our praise songs are touchy-feely in sharp contrast to this one in which God is extolled and honored. David asked Asaph to teach it and rehearse it. Some scholars think it was incorporated into the worship services from then on. When Paul tells us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, could he have been thinking of this passage?

Note there is a reminder to sing, seek, and thank God.  David wanted the people to consider the wonder of God and to boast about his holy name. He wanted them to recall and remember what God had done. He wanted them to do it continually. In fact, if you read it from beginning to end, there are ten commands but only one request.

There are essential stories behind many of our favorite hymns. Do some research and learn about your favorite hymn. Then share what you found with us.

Photo: Crosswalk.com

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