Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as
long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Psalm 146: 1-2
Having grown up with music in my life, and singing in church from
practically the time I could speak, it’s easy for me to take this passage
literally; that the Psalmist is extolling us to “SING!” In a broader sense,
“to sing someone’s praise” is to acknowledge the good works things
they’ve done.
The most commonplace way to praise another is to say “Thank you”;
and convention says that the more personal the acknowledgment, the
more sincere it is. In this vein, the Psalmist goes on to acknowledge God,
“who made heaven and earth and all that is in them, who keeps faith
forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the
hungry,” (verses 6-7).
Conversely, an impersonal word of thanks often falls flat. Think about
when we say “thank god” generally in relief of receiving some good news
or averting a problem or accident. Possibly, this Psalm is a reminder to
expand on that thought and be mindful of the blessings we enjoy and
truly thank and praise the Lord.
Today, with the state of the world, the environment, racial and political
divisions, international crises, and economic problems, it can be
challenging to find the energy for praise and thanks. It’s easy to become
depressed, and praising God becomes difficult.
While we might not be able to make major shifts in the ills that influence
us, many believe that finding things in life for which to be thankful can
lift depressive tendencies. Scientists say that taking time to be thankful
shifts the endorphins in the brain. But could it also be the grace of God
and the power of the Holy Spirit? In praising God, we open ourselves to
God’s love, enabling us to better love our neighbors and act in keeping
with God’s will.
God, we praise you. Send Your love and the Holy Spirit to lift us up to live
more fully in Your grace. Amen.
Cyndee Folk is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Glenside.
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