The Importance of Praising God – Part 1

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

It’s said that when scientists break down the ‘matter’ that comprises our universe, it actually contains some musical molecules. When the Pharisees tried to silence those who were praising the Lord, perhaps that’s why Jesus said, ‘If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’ The Bible speaks of trees clapping their hands in praise and oceans and the mountains exalting God. All of creation is designed to praise Him. And when you don’t, there’s a connection with God that’s not made and emptiness within you that nothing else can fill. The Psalmist said, ‘Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice’ (Psalms 141:2). Here the word ‘prayer’ in Hebrew means ‘songs of praise’ and the Bible uses it no less than 72 times in this context. So start singing praise to God! The Ark of the Covenant represented three things: victory, guidance and God’s presence. No wonder Israel felt lost without it. But observe how they brought it back from the camp of their Philistine foes: ‘Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels…’ (1 Chronicles 13:8). Notice the phrase, ‘with all their might’. Away with pale, pathetic praise! Put your heart and soul into it! Worship brings intimacy with God. When it came to rebuilding Jerusalem, the singers were as vital to the success of the operation as the soldiers and builders. In fact, their role was so important they were paid to do it (Nehemiah 11:23-24). So start praising God!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, let me praise You with all my might and serve You the same way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen