2 Kings 15:1–16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Psalm 147:1 "Hallelujah! How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
There are so many wonderful blessings to enjoy throughout our day if we will only stop to look for them.
Yet, it is also true that this isn't Heaven. We live in a broken world. It began to malfunction when Adam sinned (read Genesis 3). It's as if he put water in the gas tank and things have never been the same since.
If we aren't careful, in this messed up world, we may begin to focus on the bad things. The news stories are almost always bad. People get killed, employees get laid off, marriages end in divorce, children die of cancer, churches split, terrorism happens, and so much more.
So, to swim again the flow and develop a mind that is positive (Philippians 4:8) and set on the joy of crossing of the finish line (Colossians 3:2), it will take discipline. It will take consistent hard work, especially if we have previously tended to be negative.
Our Verse for Today gives us the content. It tells us what we can do to lift our attitude and perspective.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 147:1 "Hallelujah! How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely."
First of all, it begins with the word "Hallelujah."
- "Hallel" = praise
- "Jah" - is the short version of Jehovah which means "the Lord"
After callings us to praise the Lord, our verse tells us that praising the Lord is "pleasant" and "lovely." It's positive. It's constructive. It's beautiful.
So, what exactly does it mean to praise the Lord?
It means that we focus on an attribute of who He is (not necessarily what He has done) and celebrate that.
For instance, if I am going through a really tough time and feel like my life is out of control, I can focus on the fact that God is omnipotent (can do whatever He pleases) and that He is fully in control of every single event in my life. So, I could praise Him for that attribute. In doing so, it will help me to find comfort in my chaos.
Or maybe I'm taking a walk and notice a particularly beautiful sky or a flower. I can enjoy the beauty of the moment and then praise my God. Why? Because He is the one who created it (John 1:1-3) and is actively, moment-by-moment, sustaining it (Colossians 1:15-17). My praise could take the form of a prayer like this: "Heavenly Father, You are an incredible artist. The beauty of Your creation gives me a glimpse into how wonderful You are. Thank you for this moment."
On and on we could go. We can praise God for His infinite wisdom, His power, His glory, His grace and mercy, His love, His forgiveness, etc., etc., etc.
If you want to lift your mood and enjoy the God who made you, find some attribute of God that is relevant to where you are in life right now and praise Him for it.
You may not feel like praising Him right now. But, let it at least be an act of your will. If you continue to choose to praise Him, eventually, your emotions will get on board and it will bring joy to your heart.
Oh, and by the way, this is why being a part of a church family is so important. Our regular, weekly gatherings are intended to be a time of praise and worship. If you are overwhelmed with the trials of life and struggling to praise God, you will be surrounded by others who are praising Him. Simply being in that environment will greatly help you to get into a right state of mind.
Psalm 147:1 "Hallelujah! How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely."
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