- God enjoys it as meaningful communication in our love relationship.
- We become more aware of God’s presence with us.
- We become more aware of who God is.
- Our faith grows as our perspective is expanded.
- We find fulfillment in God’s design.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
“4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” – Psalm 100:4-5
What happens when we praise God?
- God enjoys it as meaningful communication in our love relationship.
“3 Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. 4 For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. 5 Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. 6 Let the praises of God be in their mouths,” – Psalm 149:3-6
“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” – Psalm 147:11
“You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” – Psalm 22:3
Psalm 22 is saying something like this. Difficult times may come. Suffering may last for a season. Our spirits may feel dry for a time. We may think that God has abandoned us. God inhabits – rests in – is available in, is living in the songs of adoration and praise from His people. God enjoys this. God responds to this. We can become more aware of God’s presence in this time of worship.
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. ….you know him because he lives with you now,” – John 14:15-21
- We become more aware of God’s presence with us.
“I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.” – Psalm 26:8
“2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” – Psalm 63:2-5
“1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. – Psalm 91:2
- We become more aware of who God is.
“8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. 10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. ” – Psalm 145:8-10
- Our faith grows as our perspective is expanded.
“1 I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.” – Psalm 145:1-3
“Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” – Hebrews 13:15-16
- We find fulfillment in God’s design.
“16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,” – 1 Peter 2:9
“37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ ” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” – John 7:37-39