Sreedhar's Journey

Do you celebrate noisily? I do!  People think I am mad.  Why? Because, I celebrate God's goodness without the need for a football match, or something "normal".  What is wrong with you?  I cannot help it when the God of the universe has intervened in some way in my life bringing me unspeakable joy.  Instead, He gives me SHOUTS of joy! The Psalmist urges the people of Israel to rejoice and praise the Lord for everything. Making loud noises is encouraged with all kinds of musical instruments and in every place, including on their beds. With that He will beautify the humble with salvation and He takes pleasure in these things. Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. While praising the Lord is encouraged, the Psalmist also says God is giving victory to the people of Israel against their enemies who have come against them in the past. I am a sinner saved by grace. I am like a beggar receiv...

When I was growing up I learnt to say thank you for everything. But praise was limited. In our family culture you were hardly praised. And so when I became a Christian that started a whole new paradigm. It started with praising God and then praising those around me. It felt good to appreciate everyone. The Psalmist here makes special mention of praise. Psalms 92:2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, The Psalmist recognizes the Lord for giving him another day to live. He also thanks God for seeing him through the day. This is so important. We cannot take our days for granted. It could have been worse. God is constantly watching over us. There is an assurance of His continued presence with us. He does not sleep and neither does He require it. Father, I am grateful and I praise You for who You are and my relationship with You.