Boast, rave, celebrate!

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Psalm 150:1-6

TO CHEW ON: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6

The Hebrew word halal in this psalm that is translated praise means to shine, boast, rave, celebrate clamorously. Do we do that? Boast about God? Rave about His works? Allow our emotions to overflow in actual shouts as we consider His greatness of both person and deed?

Some weeks ago I encountered a lovely fellow-Christian on the skytrain (she had in hand a list of Scripture references so it was easy to start a conversation). As we exchanged information about our backgrounds, I mentioned the word ‘charismatic.’ Her face stiffened. “I’m scared of charismatics,” she said. “They are too emotional.”

Though I defended showing emotion in worship, I’m not sure she was convinced. I should have referred her to this psalm which echoes with the admonition to express our exuberance, joy, enthusiasm and excitement about God in extreme vocal praise.

Jack Hayford in a sidebar article about this psalm says it so well:

“Begin with honestly asking if our habits of praise (spanning the spectrum from the silence of awe to songs of joy) are willing to incorporate the shout of triumph – see Psalm 47:1. Here is biblical counsel to include occasions of extreme praise. If a worthy reason is needed, embrace the ultimate “triumph” – Christ’s cross and resurrection (2 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 2:13-15).


The triumph of Christ’s cross and resurrection summons. Give Him more praise than any other god gets. He is the “God among the goes,” so our praise of Him should be more outstanding than that given to any other “god.” – Jack Hayford, New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 800

PRAYER: Wonderful God, thank You for being worthy of our most extravagant expression of worship, praise and adoration. Help us to be as uninhibited in worship as we are when we cheer on our favorite sports team or celebrity. Amen.

MORE: "Let Everything that Has Breath" by Matt Redman



(Thanks to Jan C., who gave me the heads-up on the above song - perfect for today's reading!)

“Shout to the Lord” – Hillsong

Do your 8-12-year-olds have daily devotions? Point them to Bible Drive-Thru.