Praising God
May 25, 2025
Praising God is a recurring theme woven throughout the Bible, yet it’s easy to overlook in our daily walk. We might sing a hymn or offer a prayer, but do we truly grasp what it means to praise? Psalm 117, the shortest chapter in Scripture at just two verses, delivers a profound yet simple lesson on this topic. Verse 1 identifies who should praise the Lord, and verse 2 explains why. This tiny psalm packs a powerful punch, urging us to reflect on the act of praise itself. Before diving into its text, let’s explore what praising God entails, why it matters, and how Psalm 117 calls us to respond with hearts tuned to His glory.
What?
The English word “praise” derives from the Latin pretium, meaning “price” or “value.” To praise God is to acknowledge his infinite worth, to declare his value above all else. In Hebrew and Greek, words translated as “praise” carry nuances like thanksgiving, glorifying, confessing, and exalting. These suggest praise to be a multifaceted act. Praise is gratitude for God’s gifts, a confession of his greatness, and a celebration of his character. It’s not just words; it’s a posture of the heart that recognizes God as the source and sustainer of all.
Scripture affirms God’s worthiness. In Acts 17:28, Paul, quoting the Greek poet Aratus, says, “In him we live and move and have our being.” This truth, found even in ancient philosophy, underscores God as the Creator who provides every breath, every moment. A God who upholds existence itself is undeniably worthy of praise. Yet, this isn’t about stroking divine ego, for God is not prideful. Pride inflates beyond reality; God’s call for praise aligns with his actual, unmatched worth.
Beyond human praise, Scripture shows the cosmos joining in. Heavenly beings exalt God (Revelation 4:11, 5:12), proclaiming his worth before the throne. Physical creation praises him (Psalm 148:1-10)—sun and moon, mountains and trees, seas and creatures. How do inanimate things praise? Their very existence testifies to God’s power, wisdom, and majesty, revealing his qualities to all (Romans 1:19-20). From angels to oceans, all creation points to the One who made it.
Who?
Psalm 117:1 issues a universal call: “Praise the LORD, all nations, extol him, all peoples!” No one is exempt. This isn’t a summons for a select few, but a global invitation. The saints are called to praise (Psalm 30:4), as are people of every nation (Romans 15:11). Kings and commoners, young and old (Psalm 148:11-14), small and great (Revelation 19:5)—all are summoned. If there is still doubt, Psalm 150:6 settles it: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!” Praise unites humanity across borders, status, and time, binding us in shared awe of our Creator. This universality reflects God’s heart. He desires all to know and honor him, not for his gain but for ours. Praise reorients us, lifting our eyes from self to the One who gives life. It is a reminder that we’re part of something vast—a chorus spanning nations and generations, echoing through history to eternity.
How?
Praise begins in the heart. Isaiah 29:13 warns against lip-service: “This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me.” True praise grasps God’s unutterable greatness, as Psalm 106:2 asks, “Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise?” It is expressed diversely: through sacrifice, as in Leviticus 7:13, where offerings reflect gratitude; through testimony and sharing God’s works (Psalm 66:16); through prayer (Colossians 1:3); and through song (Psalm 40:3) just to list a few. Praise can be a silent stirring or a bold proclamation, private awe or communal celebration. Whatever the form, it must flow from a heart alive to God’s worth.
Why?
Psalm 117:2 offers two compelling reasons: “For his lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting.” First, God’s lovingkindness, his steadfast and covenantal love, drives our praise. He cares for sparrows and clothes lilies (Matthew 6:25-26); how much more does he provide for us? His greatest act of love is salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The cross is the pinnacle of God’s kindness and love, rescuing us from sin’s penalty and restoring us to him. Every breath, every blessing, every hope of eternity traces back to the cross, the great lovingkindness of the Lord.
Second, “the truth of the Lord is everlasting.” In a world of shifting sands, where trends fade and empires fall, God’s truth endures. His promises hold. His Word stands. 2 John 1-2 speaks of truth abiding in us and with us forever. This permanence assures us, though all else passes, God remains, and his truth guides us through life’s storms. Together, his love and truth compel us to praise, for they reveal a God who is both near in care and eternal in faithfulness.
Psalm 117, brief as it is, calls us to a life of praise. It reminds us of our God, who breathed life into us and sustains every moment. His lovingkindness, shown supremely in Jesus’ sacrifice, envelopes us. His everlasting truth grounds us upon an unshakable foundation. So, let us praise him, not out of rote duty, but with hearts stirred by his worth. From every nation, with every breath, let us join creation’s chorus, exalting the Lord who is and always will be. As Psalm 117:2 concludes, “Praise the Lord!” Let this be our song, today and forever.