Read Psalm 46-47
In college I was required to take a fine arts class. Now growing up, fine art to me was those velvet Elvis pictures you could buy along the road or in gas station parking lots. Music that impressed me was when a buddy could burp the alphabet. Yes, I know, classy. So I was a bit out of my element taking this class. But the teacher was amazing and I actually grew to have an appreciation of the more cultured aspects of society. I even went through a phrase in college of listening to classical music. Typically it was when I was studying because I thought it would somehow make me smarter. It didn't. But to this day I have an appreciation for classical music.
One of the more famous composers was Johann Sebastian Bach. Not only was he an incredibly gifted musician, he was also a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He understood the importance of praising God, and in particular, praising Him through music. He said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.”
Praising God through song brings glory to God and it refreshes the soul. It's not just a suggestion, God commands it of His people. Psalm 98:4-6 says, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!"
Our psalms for today remind us of the importance of taking time to be still and dwell on the greatness of God and to praise His holy name. Every gift and ability God has given us is an opportunity to point our praise to God and His glory.
In fact, Bach headed all of his compositions: "J.J.". The initials stood for "Jess Juva", which means "Jesus helps me." He ended each of them with "S.D.G.". The initials for, "Soli Dei Gratia", which means "To God alone be the glory". How about us? Do we live to give God praise and glory for who He is and what He's done for us?
When you read Psalm 46-47, you discover some of the things we are to give praise to God for. In chapter 46 we are reminded to praise Him because... He's our help when we're in trouble, He's always present no matter what we're going through, and all creation submits to Him.
In chapter 47 we're reminded that... He's the "great king over all the earth", He's got a bright future for us, and we will reign with Him forever. Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! May every thought in our head, every word out of our mouth, and every thing we do bring God glory and praise. S.D.G.
How will you take time to praise God today? Is God getting the glory in your life?
Looking at the psalms, which ones are you most grateful to God for today? Take some time and tell Him.
Prayer of the day: "My God and my King, mighty is your name. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for being mindful of me. Thank you that my future is in your hands and that I have an eternity to sing your praises! I Love you Lord. Thank you for loving me. Amen."