Praise the Lord
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 29-31; John 2; Psalm 11
I still remember the first time I heard a simple chorus based on Psalm 113:3:
From the rising of the sun
To the going down of the same,
The name of the Lord shall be praised...
I believe the title of the chorus is From the Rising of the Sun. When I tried to verify that online, I was surprised by how many songs are based on Psalm 113, especially verse 5. I could have probably found the exact one I was thinking of, but it didn’t seem like the best use of time—because, in the end, that’s not really the point.
Psalm 113 is a strong reminder of the importance of praising the Lord. We praise Him because it’s right—and because He is worthy. But more than that, it’s good for us. As a side note, the things we do that are right toward God always turn out to be good for us as well.
One particular path of praise in Psalm 113 stands out. It reminds us that God is exalted above the nations and rules from the heavens. Though the psalm uses geographical language, the focus is theological: God is the Sovereign King. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, often stirring our fears and anxieties. But the Kingdom of God stands firm.
To be a citizen of His Kingdom is to belong to the one kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Praise the Lord.
