Praise the Lord! What does it mean to truly praise the Lord? First, what is praise?
According to the dictionary “praise” is the expression of approval and admiration or it is the extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero. Although it is used for talking highly about other things, it is usually applied to our God. Of all the times it is used in the Bible, one third of those are found in the Psalms. Almost all of these times it appears in the plural, showing us that our lives need to involve praising God. We cannot be what God wants us to be and not include praise in our lives.
Another definition says that “Praise” is a natural and necessary response to fully enjoy the object that is praised. For example, when watching a football game, it is a natural response to praise a tremendous play. To shout WOW! After an acrobatic catch in the end zone is not only natural, but necessary to enjoy the spectacular play. If you do not believe that it is necessary, the next time you watch a football game try to not express yourself at all. No, shouts of joy – no moans of disgust – just sit there expressionless. I can guarantee that you will not enjoy the action nearly as much as you do when you have the freedom to express yourself in praise and excitement!
So where do you praise God in your life? Where do you express your excitement for God? Here at church? When you are out with your family and friends? If not here at church or with your family and friends, where?
God wants us to surround ourselves with people that will build up the Kingdom. That’s what church, family and friends should be about – Praising God!
The best way to succeed at this is to surround yourself with people who believe in God – people who not only believe in God, but also have a passion for God.
Psalm 111:1 says passion and enthusiasm are key when praising God, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” That means that we should praise God completely, unreserved, and unrestrained. We are to do it with enthusiasm!
I use the word “enthusiasm” here because it’s one thing to say you believe in God, but it’s a totally different thing to have enthusiasm about your belief. People who praise God with enthusiasm carry a special kind of energy. They bring warmth and feeling to their relationships and vigor and freshness to all aspects of life. This happens because they have given God access to EVERY part of their lives.
Do you know people who live with this kind of enthusiasm? Are you filled with this type of enthusiasm? Does God effervesce out of every part of you? When living a life filled with enthusiasm for God, others are aware when you are excited about something. You throw yourself into projects with everything you’ve got. You have an eagerness about you and give all you’ve got so God can be glorified through you. You are willing to pour your heart out for the joy it brings to others. You know what being excited or jazzed about God can do in your life. Imagine if everyone was filled with this kind of excitement and enthusiasm for God – it would change the world! I look forward to enthusiastically praising God with you on Sunday!
with love,
Laureen 🙂
