A Word from Psalm 105

If you signed up for a class called, "How to Praise the Lord 101," what do you think would be on the syllabus?

I ask because today's word from Psalm 105 is basically a call to praise. But instead of reading it as a collection of generic exhortations to "be worshipful," I wonder what would happen if we heard it as a set of specific instructions that teach us how we can give God glory. For example...

"Give praise to the Lord...make known among the nations what He has done," the class begins (v. 1) Or, as The Message puts it, "Tell everyone you meet what He has done." So, who do you think you'll meet today? And how could let them know what God has done ~ and is doing ~ in your life?

"Sing to him...tell of all His wonderful acts," the class continues. (v. 2) Or again, from The Message, "Sing Him songs, belt out hymns, translate His wonders into music!" When was the last time you sang to God?

Our next assignment reads: "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice," (v. 3) which in The Message says, "Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek GOD. Live a happy life!" Did you ever think that just living with joy instead of fear or discontent might be a powerful act of worship and praise?

And finally in today's class, there's "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek His face always," (v. 4) which really hits home in The Message, I think: "Keep your eyes open for GOD, watch for His works; be alert for signs of his presence." Where and how will you be looking for God today?

Of course, like a lot of things we learn, it's one thing to file these lessons away in our heads, but it's another thing to plant them deeply in our hearts. So today, let's live as graduates from the "School of Praise," who show in our lives what it means to honor the Lord. Amen.