Praise the Lord
Through my travels on mission in India, a common phrase among believers is “Praise the Lord.” I imagine this started as a phrase learned from Dr. M.A. Thomas, who I imagine learned it from God’s Word. The book of Psalms ends with a powerful and simple command: “Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150 serves as the grand finale of God’s songbook, calling His people to fix their eyes on His greatness and respond with wholehearted worship.
The word “hallelujah” appears throughout these final psalms. It comes from two Hebrew words meaning “Praise Yahweh” or “Praise the Lord.” More than a religious expression, hallelujah is a declaration of God’s worth and a command for His people to celebrate His goodness. It reminds us that worship is not reserved for special occasions. It is the natural response of those who know and love God.
Psalm 150 answers some important questions about worship.
Where should we worship? Everywhere. The psalm begins by calling God’s people to praise Him in His sanctuary and in His mighty heavens. Whether gathered with the church on Sunday or living faithfully throughout the week, every place becomes an opportunity for worship because God reigns over all.
Why should we worship? Because of His mighty deeds and His excellent greatness. We praise God for what He has done in creation, redemption, and daily provision. Most importantly, we praise Him for the salvation made possible through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him simply because of who He is. His holiness, faithfulness, mercy, and love make Him worthy of praise regardless of our circumstances.
What is worship? Worship is responding to God’s worth with every part of our lives. Psalm 150 mentions a variety of instruments and expressions, reminding us that worship involves more than singing. It includes our words, actions, attitudes, relationships, and daily obedience.
Who should worship? The answer comes in the final verse: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!”
This statement carries profound significance. In Genesis 2:7, God breathed the breath of life into Adam. Human life began with God’s breath. Every breath we take today is a gift from Him. We were not simply created to exist. We were created to worship. The breath God has given us is meant to be returned to Him in praise.
As long as we have breath, we have a reason to worship.
At Calvary Baptist Church, our prayer is that every breath, every conversation, every act of service, and every moment of life would point people to Jesus Christ. May we carry hope, build intentional relationships, pursue Jesus, and make disciples as we live out the truth of Psalm 150.
Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
