Psalm 103

I have had several conversations with folks about praising God. It is interesting that the term has been connected with worship that is contemporary...you know what I mean..."Praise Bands" .... "Praise Music"...

A general and consistent comment in favor regarding "Praise Services" is that "It makes me feel good". Why is that? For some it is the simplicity of most "praise" songs.... after all, most of them are repetitious and easy to follow. They engage the heart easily, because you don't need to think much about the words, melody or rhythm. But there's much more going on than "feeling good"... It is also about expressing gratitude...and awareness.

"Praise Music" is not contemporary. Songs of praise are a significant component of the Psalms attributed to King David, who lived and reigned somewhere around 1040-970 BC.

Generation upon generation of the faithful have joined voices in praise of God. But it is so much more than feeling good or being buddies with God.

Praise is completed by her cousin, thanksgiving. Praise radiates from the soul. It speaks of an awareness deep within that God's mercy and compassion and love flow abundantly to us, even as we live in ways that are so imperfect.

It is helpful to reflect upon the multitude of moments that we benefit from God's love. Read Psalm 103 again. Look at the catalog of God's blessings lavished upon you:

God forgives all your iniquity,
heals all your diseases,
redeems your life from the Pit,
crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Praise and thanksgiving are an important part of prayer. They massage our soul, even in moments of deep distress...and proclaim our hope that rests securely in God who has cared for God's people throughout the ages. Then we are moved beyond the song of praise and thanksgiving into proclaiming to others that they, too, are loved by God who lavishes them with those same gifts we have received.

When you look at your own life, and weave a chain of the moments you have been forgiven, healed, redeemed, renewed and satisfied by God, you are writing a psalm of your own.

Who will hear your psalm of praise and thanksgiving?