How many things can we praise God for? Let’s begin in Psalm 147.
Is singing praises to our God just a modern fad or a very ancient idea?
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is beautiful. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The Lord supports the afflicted; He brings the wicked down to the ground. (Ps 147:1-6 NASB)
Is a stringed instrument something that we should avoid?
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. (Ps 147:7-9 NIV)
Does God take pleasure in strength or those who show Him deep respect and hope in His mercy?
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. (Ps 147:10-11 NKJV)
While our food is very inferior to that which the ancients enjoyed, does God still satisfy our hunger?
Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For he has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children within your walls. He sends peace across your nation and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat. (Ps 147:12-14 NLT)
Does God still send us appropriate weather in due season?
He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow. (Ps 147:15-18 WEB)
Does any nation have such perfect laws as God gave Israel? Yet, is the gospel exclusive to one nation?
God proclaims his word to Jacob; his statutes and rules to Israel. God hasn’t done that with any other nation; those nations have no knowledge of God’s rules. Praise the Lord! (Ps 147:19-20 CEB)
How do we encourage others to also praise God without coercion or manipulation?
Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven. (Mat 5:16 CEV)
Should praise be among our list of positive, healthy thoughts?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:8 ESV)
Is singing praises encouraged anywhere in the New Testament?
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. (James 5:13 HCSB)
How many things can we praise God for? You decide!
