Proactive in Praise

“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord. . .Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. . .Who is like the Lord our God. . .Praise the Lord!” Psalm 113:1-9 NASB

Psalms 113-118 are called the “Passover Psalms,” read by many in conjunction with the Passover commemoration. (Passover begins at sundown tonight.) It is a series of psalms with particular application for this special day. And the first of these psalms, Psalm 113, is read before the Passover Seder.

It is important because of its emphasis on praise. In fact, this psalm begins and ends with praise. Praise is central to the celebration of Passover, for this is a reminder of God’s abiding presence in our lives. His eternal plans. His promise to hear and help us, and provide what we need. How can we help but praise the Lord! As the psalmist asks, who is like Him?

Praise is to be central for our lives. As we focus on God, praise should well up within us. And we are to be proactive in praise, praising Him in every situation, no matter how we feel. To praise Him “from the rising of the sun to its setting.” To praise Him always and bless His name “from this time forth and forever.”

As we praise Him, we lose our focus on the temporary things and remember that He is sovereign, “high above all nations.” Yet He loves us, cares for us, and knows what we face.

He promises to lift up all His people, even the poor and needy, and provide what we need. These promises are particularly meaningful for the celebration of Passover. But they are reminders any other time as well.

Make this a day filled with praise. Don’t let anything stop you!

Prayer: Father, I praise and worship You. May my life bring You praise and glory. Thank You for all that You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.