Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

If my story does not promote God—I am only promoting myself. Pride has a way of making me the central character in my story, instead of Christ. For example, in describing my Christian conversion do I exalt the Lord or do I draw way too much attention to myself? The remedy for self-promotion and self-praise is exaltation of Almighty God in grateful praise and worship. Gratitude for God’s grace, puts pride in its place. If not for His relentless love—I would be unsaved and undone. Shameless gratitude to Jesus keeps Jesus the main character in my story!

Paul—who had quite a story—kept the focus on the eternal King Jesus. In an explosive doxology he declares with infinity times infinity—honor and glory to the only immortal, invisible and incorruptible God of the universe. We are but a speck of sand on the seashore of the Trinity’s creation. In our mother’s womb we were a gleam in the eye of our creative heavenly Father. Lost in our sins we were the object of Christ’s eternal affection as He suffered on the cross. In need of care and comfort we are led and loved by the invisible and insightful Holy Spirit. Thus, we humbly bow in thankful praise to God for His blessings so we might boast in Him alone!

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

What are some ways to praise the Lord? Certainly in our prayer time we can praise Him with our favorite hymn or worship song or we can read out loud and praise the Lord with His word—like Psalm 145. Praise God at church with fellow believers in singing together, in reading the Bible together, in celebration of baptism together and corporately remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins through sacred communion. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

What does it mean to praise God? To praise the Lord is to thank Him and give Him the honor and glory due His name. The Almighty is worthy of praise because of His greatness, His goodness and His glory! When we prayerfully weigh every word we speak, we praise Jesus with the fruit of our lips. Humility is the Holy Spirit’s homing device for our speech to point people to Christ and not exalt ourselves. All creation cries out in praise—how much more should we the Lord’s crowning achievement, declare His holy name. Praise keeps God in His preeminent place.

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for saving me and for putting Your song in my heart!

Application: How can I praise God with my words, so I point people to Jesus?

Related Readings: Psalm 7:17, 100:2, 134:2; Hebrews 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Jude 25

 

Home