Practice Praise

Rehearsal is critical for singers and choirs!  Those are the times to hear the notes, smooth out the rough spots and [hopefully] banish bad sounds to never be heard again.  I’ve looked into the faces of God’s people during times of worship, and strained to see [what should be] joyful praise. Let’s face it: we’ve all had times when joyful worship alluded us!  The song writer asks relevant questions for us all: “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5a, AMP).  The implication is that the soul has lost hope and anxious thoughts have interrupted its calm.  The musician continues, “Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His Presence.” (V.5b).  Ah! The Anchor of all hope is God and as we wait expectantly, we praise Him! The hymn writer penned it well: “My hope is found in nothing less than Jesus’ Blood and Righteousness!” He is our Confident Expectation (Hope)!  This is why we can rejoice in our waiting, rehearsing for The Day when we’ll stand before The Father “dressed in His Blood and Righteousness.”  We do not praise Him for just what He has done [for us] but because of Who He is!  “It’s amazing what praising can do – Hallelujah.”  Our days seem to get busy and full, but no day is too busy-full for some real praise practice.  Whatever you’re “into” this weekend, chase away soul-despair – practice praise!