Psalm 150

Note: Again not my own photo, feel I should point that out as I don't want to mislead. Regardless, it would be amazing to have church service in a place like that. But truth is, we can praise God anywhere and at anytime.

The other day I read the final Psalm in the Psalter, 150. It's a very short and simple passage, very to the point. To wrap up the week, I wanted to just take a moment and dig into the text a little bit, and share some personal observations that I think can apply to all of us, whether me as a photographer/blogger, or anyone else in any career path, a stay at home mom, or whatever station in life you're in.

1: "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse."

The first verse gives us where we are to praise God. The reality is, it's everywhere. Going to the Lord's prayer, what does Jesus say in part that we ought to pray for? That God's will be done where? On heaven AND earth. That's basically what this verse is saying.

2: "Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness."

Whereas verse one tells us where to praise God, the second verse tells us the reasons we ought to praise Him. It's really very simple: for what He has done, and for who He is.

3-5: "Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instrument and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals."

And how are we to praise Him? I'll admit this is where we can get a little mixed up. Not sure the last time I've seen a timbrel used in a church service. But I believe it's safe to say that while we are to praise Him everywhere, there is a difference between what that might look like in the local church, and the rest of life. The details of both are a topic for another time. I'm not trying to say that there's a separation of holy and secular, simply that the Bible has guidelines and we would do well to follow them.

All aspects of our lives should be lived in open praise to God. I believe that within the church service there are Biblical directions given to us for orderly service and worship. And I also want to state that it's clear in Scripture that believers ought to be gathered together as a local body, a local church. But whether you're singing praise songs, sitting under sound teaching, or if you're in your 9-5, whatever you do, do it well unto His glory, and recognize Him in it all.

So if we're talking about me here writing a blog or taking a photograph, or someone making a sandwich, building a deck, or filling out paperwork, all of it can and should be done in praise and worship of our Creator. How do we do that? Again, context matters, but what does worship in our workplace and among our families look like? I believe the short and simple answer is to do all things well unto the Lord, seeking His glory and purposes above our own, pointing to Him in it all. You could say seek His kingdom first. That would be the worship aspect. As for praise, it's recognizing Him for who He is and what He has done not just in a spiritual sense, but in the normal day to day aspects of life. If that leads to singing out loud, or in your heart, or in simple prayer thanking Him for His greatness, it's praise. So again, no matter what station we're in, we can do that. Which kind of leads to the final verse.

6: "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"

So far we've seen the where, the why, and the how, but now we see the who: Everyone.

I'm a firm believer that, even if it's not aware of it, the natural world brings God glory and praises Him. We're the only created thing that snubs our nose at the thought, fighting against our Creator... and we're the crown of His creation!

But it is our calling in life. If you're a Christian, I hope this is a simple but helpful reminder to keep an eye heavenward as you live life, and to praise God in all of it. If, however, you are not a believer, may I remind you that the verse says everything that has breath. The Bible states that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Submit to that Lordship now, confessing your sins, and believing in Him this day. You'll find Him a perfect Savior.

And so, with the Psalmist may we all strive to praise the Lord!