Praise to the Lord

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness.”
Psalm 150:1-2 NASB

As a young man, Joachim Neander had a reputation for being wild and unruly, driven by worldly passions. But everything changed when he became a Christian.
Born in 1650 in Bremen (in modern Germany), he dedicated himself to seeking God after his conversion. In his desire to be alone with Him, he was known to wander through river valleys and even lived in a cave, praying and meditating on His Word.
Equipped with the spiritual strength gained from this time with God, he became an important voice in the church in Germany. In 1680, he wrote a poem based on Psalm 150 that revealed how much God meant to him.
In the English translation (by Catherine Winkworth in 1863), Neander wrote, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near; praise Him in glad adoration.”
He praised God “Who over all things so wondrously reigneth, shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!” Neander realized that God often directs us through paths that we might not desire. But he realized how often our “desires ever have been granted” in what He ordains.
He proclaimed how God has made us “fearfully and wondrously.” He “doth prosper thy work and defend thee; surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.” Neander urged us to think about God’s power, to “ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love He befriend thee.”
The message that inspired Neander still is important. Follow his example, and spend time alone with God. Listen and pray. But also praise and worship Him. He is the Almighty, the King of creation!

Prayer: Lord, I praise You. All that is in me adores You! I praise You for protecting me, providing for me, and sending Jesus to die for me. I worship You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.