Praise the Lord

Being a worship pastor for many years I have always had an affinity for Psalm 150. Although the author of this Psalm is unknown, there are some that conclude that there are similarities between this text and other Psalms that were authored by King David. We will never fully know on this side of heaven. What we do know is that we are strongly exhorted to praise God with an exuberant heart. Let’ look at the scripture:

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:1-6

Psalm 150 begins by simply telling us to Praise the Lord. The next sentence gives us a couple of examples of WHERE the praise of God resides, which is both in His sanctuary and His mighty heavens. Then it moves on to WHY we should praise Him. Of course the answer to that is, because of His mighty deeds and excellent greatness!

The next few verses highlight some of the INSTRUMENTS we can use to praise Him. Interestingly enough, he includes dancing as an expression of worship along with playing the tambourine. Many interpret that Psalm 150 is only referring to loud, exuberant worship. But if you look at all the instruments listed you will see strings and harp, which are often used in more quiet expressions of worship.

Regardless of how we worship, the last phrase sums up WHO is called to praise the Lord. To answer this question I will write again the conclusion to this “God breathed”, glorious Psalm.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”