Have you ever thought about all the things you should praise God for? Truthfully, I have spent most of my prayer life asking for things and very little time praising God. In fact, I had paid little attention to what we call the “Lord’s Prayer” that begins with praise: “Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” And some translations end with praise: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
The writer of this psalm lists many thing in these 20 verses we should praise God for. In verse 5, he mentions some of God’s attributes that are beyond our ability to rationalize: How great is our Lord? His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” We cannot fathom the majesty of God. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit.” How can we understand His being, His omnipotence, His omnipresence, His omniscience or His love for us? We human beings cannot understand these things because we have no experience with them. Though we are made in His image, our image is marred by a sinful nature we received from Adam and Eve.
In other verses, the writer describes God’s blessing us humans that should bring praise to our hearts and lips. God rebuilds our lives when we stumble or fall as in verse 2. He heals our broken hearts and wounds. In verse 6, He supports the humble. In verse 11, the Lord “delights in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. In verse 13, He strengthens our homes and blesses our children. Verse 14 says He gives peace to our nation and provides us with food (economic blessings). In verses 19-20, God has given us His word for us to know more about Him and His purpose for us.
The writer also tells us we should praise God because He takes care of everything in nature. In verse 4, it says, “He counts the stars and calls them by name.” God provides rain to make the mountain pastures grow grass to feed the sheep in verse 8, and in verse 9, God provides food for wild animals and birds. Finally in verses 16-18, God controls the weather.
No, Mother Nature is not mentioned. God is in control of earth’s climate, and He is working all things for our good. Let us praise Him in and for all things!