"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Psalm 135
PraisePraise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD (Psalm 135: 1-2)
Psalm 135 starts and ends with the words “Praise the Lord”. The Psalmist elaborates, giving us five reasons why we should praise the Lord Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good. (V3)
So many of the peoples of the Old Testament lived in fear of their gods, who had to be appeased. Our God is good. Remember the passage in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, where Mr and Mrs Beaver are telling the children about Aslan: “Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy. "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about being safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you."
Our Lord is greater than all gods. (V5)
Our God is in control of everything. Nothing takes him by surprise. Nothing can happen to us that God cannot help us through.
Praise God for what he has done for us.
In verses 8-12 the Psalmist recounts all that God has done for his people in bringing them out of Egypt etc. We have experienced his salvation and his ongoing blessings. We have Jesus. In fact we have far more reason to praise him than the Psalmist
Your name, LORD, endures forever, your renown, LORD, through all generations.
We live in a world where nothing lasts. You may be world champion but next year you have to win it again. God’s glory lasts forever.
The LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
Finally we can be thankful that God is on our side, that he loves us and has compassion on us. He will act on our behalf.
Have a great day at practice, in the office, with the family. But one last thought… Praise the LORD