How did the recent gift opening go at your home? Is it a mad dash to just keep opening until the mystery of all the presents are revealed, or do you take time to consider each item received and enjoy the thoughtfulness of those who chose to remember you? Sometimes, out of necessity, in order to make certain time deadlines, we have to hurry this process along quicker than we desire, but that is when I like to return later, after the fun, noise and chaos has quieted, and sit with time to ponder the kindness of friends and the beautiful blessings they tangibly bestowed on me.
I sense that the Psalmist was acting similarly in Psalm 148. This beautiful worship song has bookends of praise. Beginning and ending with expressions of gratitude, the entire Psalm is one of thankfulness to the Lord. General declarations begin and end the writing, while the in-between specifically voices some of the reasons that the author's heart is rejoicing. He pauses to look again at the gifts received, acknowledging the blessings and applauding God for all He has done.
For the past six years now, I have daily written in a gratitude journal. Before going to bed every night, regardless of what has transpired in my day, I take time to record at least three things for which I will praise the Lord that day. Sometimes I write small, trying to squeeze in many more praises, while other days I have to pause a little longer and hunt a little harder to fill those blank lines that taunt me nothing worthy of thanks happened in the last twenty-four hours. Sometimes on the surface, they are right, but then my heart begins to dig deep and recall how the Lord has provided through some of the toughest times and my soul begins to lift sacrificial offerings, knowing I have been held and kept by the merciful, faithful hand of God.
From the first to final breath, just like this Psalm, our lives need to be filled with praise. Paul writes in Romans 14:8, "If we live, it's to honour the Lord. And if we die, it's to honour the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
I have a young friend who used to sing with her mom and siblings. This family has incredible musical ability and their harmonies are absolutely gorgeous. The title track of one of their CD's was written by their Grandpa, Ross Seabrook, and was entitled, "simplesong". Based on the verse from Romans, the lyrics say:
"Come and sing a simple song of Jesus. Sing it like you never sang before.
Tell it everywhere; He is alive and cares. Give no place to doubting anymore.
If I live, praise the Lord. If I die, praise the Lord.
If I live or die, my only cry, Will be Jesus in me, praise the Lord."
I cannot tell you the number of times I have pulled that CD out and listened to this song when life was going well. It requires little effort to sing this truth loudly when the living is easy, but what about when uncertainties are scattered on the path? Can my voice find volume? Is this still a "simple song"?
At times along our journey, we come face to face with this reality, and at the crossroad of decision, a resolution needs to be made. It may not always be a "simple song", but God desires, and is worthy, of our ongoing praise. May we always bookend our day, our lives, in praise!
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