Praise His Name

“Praise the name of the LORD; praise Him, O you servants of the LORD … Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing
praises to His name.” – Psalm 135:1, 3

Many hymn writers have told their life stories through songs and hymns. They provide inspirational messages they hope will impact others. This was the experience of Fanny Crosby.

When just six weeks old, she was blinded by improper medical treatment. She easily could have become bitter. Instead, Jesus transformed her life. In response, she wrote more than 8,000 hymns!

Among these hymns, “Praise, Praise His Name” is one of her least known. Yet here she told the powerful account of what Jesus meant to her. She described how she had been “on the desert mountain straying far, far from home.”

Then she heard the “sweet voice” of Jesus asking, “Why wilt Thou roam?” She knew He had sought her and brought her “out of sin to grace” and taught her a “glad, new song.” She could not help but “praise, praise His name.” (The repetition is not a mistake. It provides an emphasis that reinforced the depth of her devotion.)

As she knelt before Him, “sad and oppressed,” she heard His voice “revealing hope, life and rest.” She had often heard that voice repeating the message, “I am the Way.” It was a call to respond and follow Him. She continually longed to spend time with Him.

Do you have this kind of relationship with Jesus? Crosby would urge you to long to be in His presence. Talk with Him. Worship Him.

Reflection Question: How can you add more praise to your daily time with God?