Talk Together
Family conversations with God’s Word.
Today, we’re going to talk about words. If you think about it, words are funny things. They show up in different languages throughout the world! We can’t touch them, but we feel their impact. Tiny or big, words have power. When we follow God, He helps us use words to encourage friends, spread love and give hope.
But there is something else that’s super important we can use words for. We can use our words to praise God! That’s just what the author of the Old Testament book of Psalms did! Can you think of three positive words that describe God?
Those are some great choices! Let’s read Psalm 111 and see what words the psalmist used to praise God!
ESV
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. He has shown His people the power of His works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
What are the first three words in this chapter? Yes! The first three words are, Praise the Lord! The psalmist praises God with words like righteous, gracious, merciful, faithful, just and trustworthy. Psalm 111 gives us many reasons to give God our praise. Here are a few:
We should praise God for His great works.
We should praise God for being gracious and merciful.
We should praise God for keeping His promises.
We should praise God for redeeming, or saving, His people.
We should praise God for being holy and awesome!
Reasons for praising God don’t stop in the Old Testament. Our God is eternal. His good works existed long before you were born and will continue forever. Every single thing God does is worthy of our praise. How awesome is that?!
Every day, challenge yourself to use your words to praise God. On the way to school, think about the incredible things He has done. Admire His beautiful creation when you stare at the sky. Praise God because He is an awesome God!