He Alone is Worthy of Praise

Scripture:
Psalm 103:1 (NIV)

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 

Devotional:

Praising God, when we do so is it just going through motions?  There have been times when in church or some other worship service it seemed people were just going through motions pretending to give praise.  Something seemed flat or missing.  In our current church we spend the first portion of the service singing praise songs to God.  Most of the time, I just listen taking in what is going on around me.  Some people, like me are just standing there appearing to be doing nothing.  Other people are singing, maybe lifting hands up high.  Yet there are still others who are practically dancing in front of their chairs singing and lifting up arms high to the Lord.  None of it appears fake, but each of us worshiping the Lord in different ways.

One thing that is clear each Sunday.  Giving God praise takes more than just saying words or moving our bodies.  David starts out Psalm 103 noting that he praises God with his entire being, heart, soul, and body.  When praising God are we really offering ourselves up in total submission and praise?  A challenge was put before the congregation to read Psalm 103 everyday for a week.  Another pastor in the church once commented that praise and worship is interactive.  We cannot just sit on the sidelines, I confess to not always singing each morning in service.  My challenge to myself, and you, start lifting your entire self to the Lord in praise.  Sing, sing loud with all your heart.  Lift hands, held up high.  Offer yourself to God.  As Christians it is important to move beyond our comfort zone.  Regardless of what others are doing, or what has always been done in the past, lift up your praise to God.  Pray for God to open your heart and guide you into praising Him.  Next time when in church or some other service open up to the Holy Spirit and follow His prompting.  If you feel led to dance, or raise hands, then forget your fears and openly, completely praise God.  He alone is worthy of our praise, total and complete with all our soul put into it.  Join me wherever you are in giving God praise…