“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His Goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107:8
When His power has transformed us, we shouldn’t find it hard to let others know.
Praise.
The Hebrew word “yadah” is used in today’s Manna for “praise” and also means “to throw a stone, hold out the hand, shoot an arrow, confess, worship, revere, etc.” Thus, it’s demonstrative—an “action verb,” if you will, not a static noun. And, it always arises in response to what God’s done for us, not to bring attention to ourselves.
Psalm 107 is a beautiful song of praise, although the author is unknown. In its 43 verses we find four scenarios in which God has acted: Those who are “wilderness wanderers” (vv.4-9), “dungeon dwellers” (vv.10-16), “sinful sufferers” (vv.17-22) and “seasick sailors” (vv.23-32). In each one it’s clear their personal resources were depleted and they found themselves at “Wit’s End Corner” (v.27).
But, in each dismal situation “they cried unto the Lord and He brought them out” (vv.6, 13-14, 19, 28). And, then they were enjoined to “praise the Lord for His Goodness and wonderful works to the children of men” (vv.8, 15, 21, 31).
Why is that?
Simply because, just as in worldly retail markets, “The best advertisement is a satisfied customer!”
Yes, the greatest “proof” of the Gospel is a changed life!
The Scriptures are full of those who lives were indelibly, irreversibly changed by God’s redeeming Love. And, even though their theology may have been initially lacking, their praise was more than adequate (Jn. 9:24-25). Hallelujah!!
Dear Pilgrim, if you’ve ever been bogged down “in a miry pit and the Lord plucked you out, set your feet upon a solid rock, gave you new direction and a new song of praise” (Ps. 40:1-3), you ought to let others know! How else shall they come to Christ unless we do? Truly, the greatest evidence of the Lord’s power to “save to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25) is not found in a pew on Sunday morning; it’s found in the lips of the Redeemed on Monday-Saturday! Glory!!
The Scriptures are clear when they declare the Lord God, “the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity and is Holy dwells with/within those who are of a humble and contrite spirit” (Is. 57:15; I Cor. 3:16; 6:16). And, praise and thanksgiving should always be foremost in our minds and mouths—for it is pleasing to the One Who has redeemed us (Ps. 103:1; 106:1; 109:30; 139:14; 150:1; Is. 42:10; 61:3; Mt. 21:16; Phil. 1:9-11; Heb. 13:15; I Pet. 1:7).
Why not spend a few minutes right now praising the Lord? Stop what you’re doing, bow your head or lift your hands toward Heaven and begin praising His Holy Name? You’ll soon discover, as the song says, “It’s amazing what praising can do. Alleluia!” Amen and amen.
May 30, 2011
