Praise God? But Why?

  • July 19, 2024
  • /
  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Psalm 117.1-2
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
    extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
    Praise the Lord.

Psalm 118.4
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
    “His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say:
    “His love endures forever.

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Reflection: Praise God? But Why?
By Annette Kendall

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in our Bible, and this author did not mince words! It was kept short and simple. What are we to do? Praise God. Why are we to do it? Because he is ever faithful, and his love ever enduring. 

Psalm 118 continues this theme and further elaborates how God has been faithful. But before outlining the how, the psalm takes pains to emphasize the why, and to call out the who. As the proclamation is made, a triple repetition (which is the Old Testament’s way of creating emphasis and expressing the superlative) addresses three groups—encompassing everyone! (See also 117.1). Thus, all people are exhorted to reiterate the why—because he is faithful and his love endures—thereby ensuring that they understand it and do not forget. 

Similarly, in our day, there are many admonitions to praise God. We encounter them throughout the Bible. If we are involved in church or hang around Bible-believing people, we are sure to hear it. We sing numerous songs of praise to God and urge listeners to do so as well. But why? If I must praise God, then please tell me why!

Various reasons are given for the call to praise God. He deserves it. Things he has done merit it. It is our duty. Perhaps you have even heard that you ought to take inventory to fully realize why you must regularly praise God. All of these are valid reasons. 

God granted the psalmist victory over enemies that seemed insurmountable. Victory seemed out of reach, yet the hand of the Lord prevailed. Today “enemies” may not be armies, but rather domineering bosses, impossible in-laws, abusive partners, obnoxious coworkers, or toxic relatives. Even extenuating circumstances can seem like an enemy. Like the psalmist, we may feel overwhelmed and see no escape. Will we praise God nevertheless?

Following the example of the psalmist, may we prioritize one reason for praising God above all others: because he is faithful and his love is enduring. It is from this reality that all other reasons for praise flow—victories, protection, provision, and other blessings. When we praise him for his faithfulness and enduring love, we can even more clearly see them as the source from which other blessings flow. And for this, we can continue to praise him.  

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
The Lord is King; let the people tremble; he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake. — Psalm 99.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 48 (Listen 2:52)
Psalms 117-118 (Listen 1:34)

​This Weekend’s Readings
Isaiah 49 (Listen 4:55), Psalms 119.1-24 (Listen 15:14)
Isaiah 50 (Listen 2:09), Psalms 119.25-48 (Listen 15:24)

Read more about Supporting Our Work
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Supporting our Work

Listen to our new podcast episode, All That Has Breath
Let everything that has breath praise the one who surrendered his breath on the cross, yet lives and breathes again.

Occupation of Meditation

  • June 21, 2019
  • /
  • John Tillman

Psalm 119.23-24
Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Reflection: Occupation of Meditation
By John Tillman

In a letter to a frustrated friend, Amy Carmichael wrote:

“Did you notice the words ‘occupied in Thy statues’ in Psalm 119.23 (Prayer Book Version)? It is a beautiful word. I have nothing to do today but to please Thee.

That is true of you, for this weariness is part of life, bonds that are allowed to be. But I do hope for health and ask for it. He knows what He is doing. ‘Jesus himself knew what He would do.’ (John 6.5-6) There will be a lovely ending to this story of frustration, something worth all it has cost.”

The word Carmichael refers to as “occupied in” is translated “meditate on” in most modern translations. Siyach carries an additional meaning beyond pondering or thinking. It also implies telling, speaking, and producing thoughts and words. As Carmichael implies, meditation is more than just privately “thinking” about God’s word. It is occupation—something that implies action.
Prayer and meditation are real for Christians not only because our relationship with God is real, but because the results of true prayer are tangible actions on our part, empowered by God to make a difference in our world.

This is illustrated in the biblical story Carmichael references. In John, Jesus is asking Phillip how to feed a large crowd. Feeding the crowd is impossible for Phillip. It is even impossible for the united power of the disciples working together. But it is Christ’s will that they act in faith—doing what little they can do. Christ accepts our ineffectual actions when accompanied by effectual faith. He then miraculously works his power through us to change the world.

In the Psalm, the writer is being slandered and attacked by rulers, representatives of government and this world’s systems of power. The psalmist’s response of meditation is not one of plugging one’s ears with God’s Word so as to retreat from the world. It is that of filling one’s mind, and then one’s mouth with God’s Word—speaking that truth to the powers of the world.

Whatever our earthly frustrations, and whatever the tactics of the powerful princes and rulers who would slander or attack us, our source of strength is not human wisdom. Only meditation on and occupation with God’s Word can bring us peace in our frustrations, and give us power to oppose evil and help the suffering in this world.

Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught us, saying: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I say?… — Luke 6.46

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 26 (Listen – 3:13) 
Psalm 117-118 (Listen – 2:52) 

This Weekend’s Readings
Deuteronomy 27-28:19 (Listen – 13:27), Psalm 119:1-24 (Listen – 15:14) 
Deuteronomy 28:20-68 (Listen – 10:11), Psalm 119:25-48 (Listen – 15:14) 

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Read more about A Discipline for the Anxious
The psalmist writes of being “too troubled to speak,” yet he cries to God…in the midst of doubts and fears, he remembers God’s faithfulness in the past. He meditates on these memories in the heated moment of stress.

A Discipline for the Anxious

Read more about Meditation in Spiritual Rhythm :: Throwback Thursday
Meditation is not new age, but old. However, in the modern age, it has often been forgotten on the shelf as many Christians and Christian leaders followed our culture into frenetic clamor instead of leading our culture from a place of peace and rest.

Meditation in Spiritual Rhythm :: Throwback Thursday