Rev. Hastings: Praise is a response to the blessings of life
“May all creation praise your holy name forever and ever.”
Psalm 145:21 The Inclusive Bible
In the midst of petitions and laments, the psalms also burst into praise. A look at the sun, moon and stars brings awe, wonder and praise to the creator. And there is praise for the maker of heavenly bodies who also made people in the image of their creator. In the psalmist’s world, heaven and nature, sheep and deer, sparrows and eagles join people to praise God.
Praise flows from the lips of infants and children as well as grown-ups. Praise comes from shepherds on the hills as well as from worship assemblies. Praise is expressed through the singing of songs and hymns and by playing the harp, lyre, lute and all musical instruments.
The psalms sing praise for God’s holy presence, faithfulness and loving-kindness in all of life. God provides for all and gives special care to the poor and needy. God shepherds people in justice and right living and designs all things to work together for good. As people and nations around the world praise their Creator, the peaceable kindom emerges.
Praise is the soul’s natural response to the blessings of life. Praise completes the cycle of blessing and continues its flow. Happiness is the byproduct of singing songs of praise and living lives of praise.
In the blessed world of the psalmist, heaven and earth and everything that lives and breathes praises God. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow...”
The reverend Celia M. Hastings has a masters degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. She is author of “The Wisdom Series” and “The Undertaker’s Wife.”
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Rev. Hastings: Praise is a response to the blessings of life
