R³ Devotional - Day 166

Psalm 150 is a divine command to celebrate. It is a call to look up at the heavens and within our own communities, to remember God's power and greatness, to utilize all of our creativity and passion, and to join with every living thing in the eternal song of praise. It is a fitting and glorious conclusion to a book that has traversed the depths of human emotion, from lament to thanksgiving, ultimately resolving in pure, unadulterated adoration.

REAL
This grand climactic ending to the Psalms is a continual reminder of what should dominate our lifestyle of praising God. The structure of this short psalm can be understood by answering four fundamental questions about praise: Where, Why, How, and Who.

1. The "Where" of Praise: Everywhere
 "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens" (Psalm 150:1, NIV). "His sanctuary" can be understood as the earthly temple in Jerusalem, the gathering place of God's people, the safe place. Yet, immediately it is paired with "his mighty heavens," expanding the realm of praise to the entire cosmos. Praise is not confined to a specific building or location but is to permeate every sphere of existence, from the sacred space of communal worship to the vastness of creation.

2. The "Why" of Praise: For His Acts and His Greatness. "Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness" (Psalm 150:2, NIV). We praise God for what He does and for who He is. "His acts of power" encompass His mighty deeds throughout history—creation, redemption, and deliverance. "His surpassing greatness" points to His very nature—His majesty, holiness, and infinite worth. Let us ground our praise in both the objective reality of God's character, attributes, and actions.

3. The "How" of Praise: With Everything
 Verses 3-5 detail the means of praise, listing a vibrant orchestra of instruments:

•  Wind Instruments: The trumpet (shofar), a powerful instrument used for signaling and heralding significant events.
  
  
•  Stringed Instruments: The harp and lyre, associated with joyful and more melodic praise.
  
  
• Percussion and Dance: The timbrel (a hand drum) and dancing (expressions of exuberant joy), full-bodied celebration.
  
  
• More Stringed Instruments and Pipes: A call for a variety of stringed and wind instruments, suggesting a full and diverse orchestra.
  
  
• Cymbals: Both "clashing" and "resounding," adding a final, emphatic crash to the symphony of praise.

Praise should be offered with every available means, with passion, and with a diversity of expressions. Let us use our artistic and creative gifts in worship so that the congregation will engage in praise and worship.

4. The "Who" of Praise: Everyone
Culminating in a universal and breathtaking invitation: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6, NIV). The final call broadens the scope of worship to its ultimate extent. It is not limited to a specific people, nation, or even humanity. Every living, breathing creature is summoned to join the chorus.

 This final "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord) serves as the concluding Amen to the entire Psalter, sealing it with an eternal echo of praise.

RELEVANT. 

• A call to joyful worship, no matter where you are and what is happening around. Passionate and enthusiastic worship.
  
  
•  The Inclusivity of Praise: The psalm’s emphasis on "everything that has breath" is a radical statement of inclusivity.
  
  
• Praising God brings down barriers and reminds us that worship is not the exclusive domain of the musically gifted or the theologically astute. All are welcome and, indeed, commanded to participate.
  
  
•  Worship Beyond Words: While theological reflection and articulate prayer are vital, Psalm 150 champions the role of non-verbal expressions of praise. Music, dance, and even noise, when offered with a heart of adoration, are valid and valuable forms of worship. It encourages a move beyond the purely cerebral to a more embodied and heartfelt faith.
  
  
•  Praise as a Response to God's Character and Action.
  
  
• Our praise is not based on fleeting emotions or circumstances but on the unchanging character and mighty acts of God. This provides a stable foundation for worship, enabling us to praise God even in difficult times, not because of our situation, but because of who He is.

READY.
 Praise Him passionately on purpose.