PRAISE HIM

Psalm 138:1-2  New Living Translation

“I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.”

       You will notice that in much of scripture, especially the Psalms, begin with praise and thanksgiving to God.  He is worthy of such praise simply because of who He is.  Who God is is found in the various names assigned to Him. (See below for a list) God’s unfailing love for His creation is also well documented throughout the Bible. He loved us enough to send His own Son to die in our place.  The phrase “before the gods” more than likely refers to all the false pagan gods that were embraced by the other surrounding nations. 

       Having a grateful heart towards God should be an important part of our daily life.  When we pray, we should start off with praise for who He is.  Refer to Him by some of the names listed below.  Acknowledge His worthiness.  Thank Him for the air you breath and the health he provides you.  Even those who are in distress either due to circumstances or some physical malady have much to praise God for.  If you count the blessings you have in your life instead of the problems you will understand what I mean.

       The promises of God are for everyone and are backed up by His wonderful and powerful name. There is nothing in heaven or on earth that compares to our God. He created everything that exists and has command and control over it all.  The “Prince of the Power of the Air” (Satan) brings about calamity and destruction.  God is not the author of evil, but since He has allowed mankind a free will to choose whom they will serve, those who choose to do ungodly deeds will wreak havoc on their fellow man.  One day The Lord of Hosts will return with the armies of heaven to obliterate all evil avenging the godly. So praise the Lord for His goodness, love, mercy and grace and know that He is Lord over all.  His purposes are pure and good and right and just.  Regardless of the way things appear, God knows what He’s doing and shall line things up according to His perfect will in due time.  Our purpose as followers of Christ is to love Him, trust Him, obey His word and serve Him for the sake of those who are unsaved.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; Publisher: Tyndale House.

THE NAMES OF GOD

Jehovah Jireh: “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people.

Jehovah Nissi (knee-see’):“The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people.

Jehovah Shalom (sha-lom’ … short ‘a’, long ‘o’ sounds):“The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest.

Jehovah Sabbaoth (sa’bay-oth … short ‘a’, long ‘a’ and short ‘o’ sounds):“The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven.

Jehovah Maccaddeshcem (ya-ho-vah’ m'ka-dish’): “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes.

Jehovah Ro’I (row-ee’): “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture.

Jehovah Tsidkenu (tsids’canoe): “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness.

Jehovah Shammah (sha-ma’): “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom.

Jehovah Elohim Israel (l-o-heem’): “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations.

Source:  Taken from www.bible.org/article/names-god.