Monday 23 March, 2015

1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. 2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. 3 The seas have lifted up, Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. 4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the Lord on high is mighty. 5 Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.

The Bible is constantly exhorting me to praise God (more than a hundred times in Psalms alone). But it always seems strange to be telling God things that he already knows, especially when my description of His character is so inadequate compared to His reality.

I don’t think He needs my praise of Him, but I’m pretty sure I do.

He doesn’t forget how mighty He is, but sometimes I do. He is never unsure, but sometimes I am. He needs no encouragement, but I often do. When the ground I stand on seems fragile and shifting, I need to remind myself that what God has put in place will never be shaken. When the floods have risen around me and roar like thunder, I need to remind myself that God is mightier. Whatever feels like it’s going to overwhelm me is no match for my God!

And sometimes the world needs to be reminded “forget your violent raging: God is mightier than you!” Satan often needs reminding. Proclaiming it to the world is important. I think it has a tangible impact.

Praise is often associated with entering God’s presence. It’s not just that there’s not much else to talk about when you are surrounded by infinite glory, it changes how I enter His presence: being honest about who He is and who I am. To enter His presence in that right relationship is a joy.

Father, thank you that you do put on majesty like a robe and strength like a belt. It makes me safe. I’m so glad my God is so worthy of praise.

Written by David Cornell