Psalm 119:108

Psalm 119:108

Willing Praise

Praise can be a complex business! Using our mouths in praise usually infers that we are either singing or speaking out the attributes of God and His Sovereign ways. But think about it, the fact that we are making a musical noise or voicing some coherent words does not mean that we are actually offering praise! How many times have we mouthed sentences or sung to familiar tunes without giving much thought to the real meaning of what is written? Praise is sometimes no more than a pleasant, personal repetition of familiar words and phrases, or a community sing-along that gives the participants a warm feeling. 

The author suggests that there has to be an element of “being willing” when it comes to praise, the kind of willingness that we experience at a football match or some other public event where people lift their voices and nail their allegiances to the mast, for all to see. This kind of praise is purposeful, freely given, authentic and powerful, it comes from within, an expression of joy and loyalty that cannot be contained. May that be a valid description of our celebrations of who God is and all that He has done. 

The second part of this verse is puzzling, how often do we associate praise to God with the teachings of His Law? We don’t! The Law of God has often been diminished to a heavy burden of dos and don’ts or trivialised by those who use it to pursue their own agendas under a cloud of petty, minor obligations that have nothing to do with the rule and reign of the Lord. The true nature of God’s Law is that it contains everything that is good for us as human beings, it is based on love and a genuine concern for our welfare. God’s rules are not inhibiting, they are liberating. In pursuing His ways, we find joy and a deeper appreciation of all that He is, and that is as good a reason as any, to praise Him! Hallelujah!