Friday, July 08, 2011
Praising the Lord may be difficult to do when we are going through a tough time but it is vital to our recovery. There are times we don't even want to hear the word "hallelujah" (praise the Lord), much less say the word. But praising God is a wise choice we all can make. It changes our perspective. It readjusts our focus. It reminds us of God's greatness and grace. Psalm 149 teaches us that it is always a great choice to praise the Lord. No matter what is going on in our lives, it's appropriated to praise Him. Here's a breakdown of Psalm 149 outlining all the times of life that we should praise the Lord.Verses 1-3 - When we're feeling good:
Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the
assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their
Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let
them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with
timbrel and harp.
Verses 4-6 - When we are not feeling good
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory
(the NAS version says he will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation).
Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their
beds.
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory
(the NAS version says he will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation).
Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their
beds.
Verses 7-9 - When we are in conflict
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their
hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to
bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out
the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD.
hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to
bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out
the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD.
During the 18th century, Charles Wesley wrote numerous hymns. It has been estimated that during his lifetime he composed over eight thousand. "O For a Heart to Praise My God" is one of his finest. I believe it parallels with Psalm 149 beautifully.
O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free.
A heart that always feels Thy blood
So freely shed for me!
A heart resigned, submissive, meek
My great Redeemer's throne;
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone.
A heart in every thought renewed,
And full of love divine;
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good,
A copy, Lord of Thine.
Hallelujah!
Pastor Tim
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