Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD ! Praise God in His sanctuary ; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. 2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds ; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound ; Praise Him with harp and lyre. 4 Praise Him with timbrel and dancing ; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals ; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD !
Recently I finished reading through the psalms. The last psalm, psalm 150, is fresh in my memory and reminds me of the pathetic thanks I give to God throughout my day. The way I speak to God in my prayer life often is less reverent than the way I would speak to a complete stranger. I often come to God tired, unfocused, and with no forethought. Would I even call an acquaintance with such little care? Forgive me of my debts, Father.
Psalm 150 also reminds me of the failures of the attitudes of his people (including myself) when they come together in worship. We get stuck in our ruts, get used to the repetition, and forget who we are addressing with our pitiful praise: the Living God. Tired of singing "Holy, holy, holy" for the six hundredth time in your life? I can understand that feeling of apathy. But remember that God is not mocked. He deserves our unyielding praise and this praise should be with enthusiasm and holy fear. When the Steelers are on tv, I don't see the same reservation as I do in a church setting. Do you serve God or an idol?
Psalm 150 is a psalm of commands. These are not suggestions, they are orders. The psalm doesn't begin: "If you feel comfortable with it, praise God." No, it simply tells you to praise Him. Verse 1 states, "...praise God in His sanctuary." Many professors of Christ's name today believe that they can believe and not go to His Church. However, this is in direct disobedience to God's command through psalm 150 to praise Him in His sanctuary. God commands this for his glory and for our benefit. Our faith will be strengthened amongst the flock. What do you have to give up in order to follow Him and worship Him on Sunday with fellow believers?
Similarly, we are also to praise God at all times. We are especially to praise Him during congregational worship, but that praise is never to cease and that praise is to be maintained by all the living. We are created to worship Him and all things given to us are created so we may praise Him. Our bodies are meant to dance for His glory, our music is meant to be lifted up to make a worshipful noise unto Him.
Oh, how fallen are we that we forget that all things are from Him? How different would your worship look if you remembered that God is always in our presence? Would you fall down flat on your face in reverence to the most holy King? God, grant me a contrite heart and renew a right spirit within me.
6 comments:
Hmm... well, I know in order for me to be able to attend a church service, I would either have to compromise about where I attend church, or find someone with access to a car who is willing to pick me (and Lily) up, and drop us off. I don't really see a solution. I don't think it makes me less of a Christian, though.
Hey Fina,
I am not trying to judge you, nor did I write this post about you. All I would say is that I would encourage you to go to a bible believing church. I truly believe that if God commands something, then He always provides the means necessary to obey that commandment. Sometimes we have to give things up in order to obey. Sometimes we have to ask help from others to obey. Just keep praying about it and talk to your hubby about it. A lot of churches have ride ministries or have a willing member that would give you a ride. You are always welcome to attend our church as well(I'll come get you if need be), I just know there may be some other bible-believing options closer to you.
Oh, I didn't feel judged, I was sincerely looking for help. I believe church is important, and would love to go. In fact, as a child and preteen, I begged my parents to take me to church (not a Greek church, though). I've felt at an impass for a long time in this area. Greg can't be picky about his schedule (in fact, Apple is going to be making hours worse soon to better serve the customer). I loved Orchard Hill when I went in High School with my friend, but she doesn't go there anymore, and I don't have a way of getting there. My parents are totally anti-Church, so I can't go with them (and wouldn't be able to get rides even because they do other things on Sundays). If you're willing to bring Lily and me, I'd love to try your church, even if it is a bit far away. I don't want to impose or be a burden, though.
So, prayer answered. Asked my mom again if she'd be willing to just drop me and Lily off for a weekend service at Orchard Hill when Greg isn't available and she said, "probably." Only because it's by Soergel's, but still :-)
Oh, that's great news! Well, let me know if you ever want a ride to my church. I don't mind taking you at all.
I PRAISE the Lord for a Daughter and Son-in-Law who Praise Him...for a Son who Praises Him, for a Wife who Praises Him...and for friends & family who Praise Him...and FINALLY...
LAST but NOT LEAST...for BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GRANDSON...WHO PRAISES HIM !!
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