“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:1-3, NIV)
Today’s psalm reminds us that there is not a moment, nor a situation, within the day where God’s praise is out of place.
To “praise,” as we often hear in today’s vernacular, is to give “props” (which is derived from “proper respect”) to someone. When we praise the Lord, we are rendering the honor, glory, gratitude, respect, authority that He is due.
In the course of a day, we can — as Oswald Chambers often wrote — be a “practical atheist.” We receive a blessing, but we act as if it is a random occurrence instead of a gift from God. We reflect on our successes, despite obstacles and resistance from others, and we conclude that it is due to our own intelligence, persistence, and creativity.
Today, as you see the hand of God, give Him praise for His assistance. As you see the work of God in others, give Him praise for His faithfulness. As you see the grace of God in difficult circumstances, give Him praise for His mercy.
“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.” – Luther
Daily Encouragement 