Bible in a Year:
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted.
During a trip to celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary, my husband and I read our Bibles on the beach. As vendors passed and called out the prices of their wares, we thanked each one but didnt buy anything. One vendor, Fernando, smiled wide at my rejection and insisted we consider buying gifts for friends. After I declined his invitation, Fernando packed up and began walking away . . . still grinning. I pray God will bless your day, I said.
Fernando turned toward me and said, He has! Jesus changed my life. Fernando knelt between our chairs. I feel His presence here. He then shared how God had delivered him from drug and alcohol abuse more than fourteen years earlier.
My tears flowed as he recited entire poems from the book of Psalms and prayed for us. Together, we praised God and rejoiced in His presence . . . on la playa.
Psalm 148 is a prayer of praise. The psalmist encourages all of creation to praise the name of the Lord, for at his command [everything was] created (v. 5), for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens (v. 13).
Though God invites us to bring our needs before Him and trust He hears and cares for us, He also delights in prayers of grateful praise wherever we are. Even on the beach.
What will you praise God for today? How has He inspired you to praise Him after hearing someone elses story?
Help me praise You with every breath Youve given me, God.
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Hope you’ve gotten some good rest this weekend.
Stay warm as it gets colder.