The power of praising God cannot be overstated and should not be underestimated. David of the old testament book of Kings and Chronicles was perhaps the man who praised God most. He was a pioneer in Psalms of praise and prayers dedicated to God. He wrote “five times a day will I praise you O God.”
In fact, David was named “the beloved of God,” because God was so pleased with his prayers and songs of praise. In fact, the bible described David as a “man after God’s own heart.” Even when David sinned against God and brought God’s anger against himself, God was merciful to David in lightening his punishment. In times of trouble, and when he was threatened by his enemies, David prayed, “deliver me O Lord, for your loving kindness…shall the dead give you praise?”
Indeed, God did deliver David from all his afflictions and turned back his enemies on every side. The bible tells us that people marveled at the way God turned back David’s enemies and “beat down his foes before his face.” So much so that David prayed, “I have become a wonder to many O Lord, but they do not know that my trust is in you.” By the time David’s son Solomon was born, God had turned back David’s enemies on every side, and had “put the fear of David in the heart of every nation.” So much so in fact, that he named the child Solomon which means “peace.”
Back in the old testament days, God instructed His people to offer animal sacrifices as an atonement for sin. This was burnt on an alter and went up as a “sweet fragrance unto the Lord.” The burnt offerings were pleasing to God. But King David advises us that songs and praise and worships are superior to even burnt offerings. He writes, “whoever offers a bull, it is as if he slew a dog, but whoever gives praise does a good thing.” Of course, he doesn’t mean it in the literal sense that burnt offerings were no good. They were, and the bible was clear on this, however, he meant to emphasize the superiority of saying and singing praises of God.
Indeed, the Psalmist has left us with a rich legacy of beautiful Psalms which we can use to praise God. You can find them in the book of Psalms. So, without further ado, let’s offer a “sacrifice of praise” to God.
Psalms 113
Praise the Lord, Praise oh servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever more. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. Who is like the Lord our God who dwells on high? Who humbles himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes – with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children, praise the Lord.
