“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy”- Psalm 33:1–3
Some people claim they have no ear or voice for music. Yet for every follower of Christ, praise and worship are not optional extras—they are a vital expression of our relationship with God. The Lord has given us worship and praise as a primary way to draw near to Him and honour Him.
The Psalms overflow with this call. “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 92:1). “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:11). David declares, “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:1–2).
In heaven worship and praise never ceases. John writes: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands… In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!’… ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:11–13).
Worship and praise is not only an act of obedience; it is a gift that blesses us. When an evil spirit once tormented David, playing his harp brought relief and the spirit departed (1 Samuel 16:23). When the soul is downcast, worship and praise lifts it: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God” (Psalm 42:11). Worship and praise is the key that opens the way into God’s presence: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).
Today, do not withhold from yourself this wonderful gift. Worship and praise is both a lifestyle in Christ and a doorway into the riches of His presence. “Praise him with the tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe” (Psalm 150:4).
Reflection: Is worship and praise a daily part of my life—drawing me closer to the Lord?
Prayer:.Almighty God, Father in heaven, today I rise to worship You with praise and thanksgiving. Let my heart rejoice in the wonders of the life I have in You. May this worship open the gates so that I may experience more of Your glorious riches in this life! I pray this in Jesus’ name!
