Nature Praises God - So Should We!

    Good morning! I hope you're having good days! As we continue in our Nature theme, let's consider how all creation praises the LORD and gives Him all the glory: 

Psalm 148

PRAISE the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!

Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him all you stars of light!

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,

And you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For He commanded and they were created.

He also established them forever and ever;

He made a decree which shall not pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths;

Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

Mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars;

Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl;

Kings of earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For His name alone is exalted;

His glory is above the earth and heaven.

He has exalted the strength of His people,

The praise of all His saints - Of the children of Israel,

A people near to Him.

Praise the LORD!
(New King James version)

    This psalm covers everything in the heavenly realm and in the earthly realm! "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6)

    Holman Bible Dictionary defines 'praise': 

"Praise comes from a Latin word meaning “value” or “price.” Thus, to give praise to God is to proclaim His merit or worth. Many terms are used to express this in the Bible, including “glory,” “blessing,” “thanksgiving,” and “hallelujah,” the last named being a transliteration of the Hebrew for “Praise the Lord.”

    When we are thankful to God, we are giving Him praise. We are acknowledging His blessings, His majesty, and His dominion.

    We are commanded through the New Testament to be thankful, to give thanks always (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God has blessed us with a new life through His Son, we are to proclaim, in sincere thankfulness and true appreciation, the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)! When we open our eyes to God, His word, and the wonders of His creation our hearts should overflow with reasons to praise God, giving our lips a ready resource for declaring God's goodness to others (Acts 4:20)! 

"I will bless the LORD at all times; 

His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; 

the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, 

let us exalt His name together."
(Psalm 34:1-3 NKJV)

    Where can you begin? Read the whole of Ephesians 1 and 2 and meditate on the blessings found only in Christ! Take time to read Philippians to learn how to be thankful and full of praise in every circumstance. Step outside (or look out the window) and meditate on the plants, the trees, the animals that God created. Look at your own self, your senses, and your abilities; consider all the time God has blessed you with so far. Show true appreciation by thanking Him for all these things and by using your time, your words, and abilities to His glory!  

Learn to be thankful. Value the blessings God gives you.

Fill yourself up with gratitude for God and praise Him!

Praise the LORD! 

You can do it! So can I!!