Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name (PS 30.1).
Why does God command us to praise him? Why does Scripture continually exhort us to give thanks, rejoice, and declare God’s goodness, greatness and glory?
Is God the Ultimate Egomaniac? Is he up in heaven bellowing, “Praise Me! Worship Me! I need, I need, I need! Make me feel good about myself! Affirm me! Because I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”
God has no needs. He didn’t create us because he was lonely and forlorn. For eternity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoyed infinite, unmarred, joyous fellowship together. God is completely self-sufficient, and doesn’t need our kudos to complete him.
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (AC 17.24-25)
Then why does our Heavenly Father command us to praise him? Or for that matter, serve him, pray to him, or give money to him? Is he running short on cash?
No. All God commands us to do is for OUR benefit, for our joy and gladness in Him.
When we worship God it completes our delight in him, like cheering for a Santonio Holmes end-zone touchdown reception, or marveling at a stunning sunset or a Victor Wooten bass solo. We must express our delight – it adds to our enjoyment of excellence. That’s how God made us.
So when God commands us to praise him, it’s to enhance our joy and delight in him. God is always out for our joy, always looking to increase our delight and amazement in him.
Even when he directs us to praise him in life’s storms, we mustn’t lean on our own understanding, but trust him and worship him - for his sovereignty, goodness, love and all the good he’s working in us. The situation may not change, but we certainly will, and peace like a river will flood our souls. Joy will eventually bloom like crocuses in the Spring.
photo by Thomas Hawk
Written by Mark Altrogge
Topics: Worship