Maybe we've blogged on this before ... and it's probably already a realization in many hearts, but it struck a bright, shining, new chord of profoundness in mine today ....
This is God, your God, speaking to you.
I don't find fault with your acts of worship,
the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,
or more and more goats from your herds?
Every creature in the forest is Mine,
the wild animals on all the mountains. (Ps 50:7-11)
Spread for Me a banquet of praise,
serve High God a feast of kept promises,
and call for help when you're in trouble --
I'll help you, and you'll honor Me. (Ps. 50:14,15)
I've read that before and heard it before .... i know that God owns all the cattle on all the hills... but it really sunk in today that what God doesn't own, what He doesn't already have plenty of is my praise!
He's the Dad Who really does have everything! He created everything. He created all those bulls and goats. He created me.
So what do i give this Father? What could He possibly not have that i DO?
I create the praise.
In my act of worship, He wants my praise more than anything! Not the method of worship or doing things for Him. He's already got all that stuff taken care of. Been there, done that.
But my actual praise coming out of my open mouth... In the midst of all the moo-ing and lowing of those thousands of head of cattle, is God hearing the sound of my praise?
How special -- the one thing I can give such a Great King. What an honor. And what a love He has that releases me and lets me be the giver of praises to Him.
And a verse in Romans 1 jumped out at me, along the lines of praising God ...
People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat Him like God, refusing to worship Him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives (v. 21).
Wow. My praises need to rise to God's banquet table, and in doing so, my life won't be trivial or silly or confusing, but it will be large and full and have sense and direction, bringing Him honor.
I have noticed that: When i decide to praise God in the midst of a confusing, crazy situation, clarity comes. Direction and wisdom from God materialize.
"Call for help when you're in trouble --
I'll help you, and you'll honor Me." (Ps. 50:14,15)
God, I'm so glad You don't want any bulls or goats from me. Perhaps if i spend more time serving up a banquet of praise to You, I won't be running around trying to perform an act or do something. Maybe i'll spend more time praising You and less time repenting of a sin i just can't seem to kick -- because in the praise, You showed up and helped me and now it's gone.
God, You are so awesome. You are mighty and full of grace and mercy and love. Thank You for sense and direction and help in time of trouble. You are good! Praise YOU!
No comments:
Post a Comment