Mighty Acts and Fitting Praise

Psalm 150:2

We do well today to take note of the fact that the psalmist in Psalm 150:2 exhorts us to lift our voices to God and "Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness."  Let it not be misunderstood, however. We are not to praise Him merely for those works that make this life more comfortable and enjoyable. That is the tendency of our flesh; and that creeps so easily into our prayers. Then, too, His mighty act of bringing up the sun every morning, after guiding the stars in their courses all night, can fill us with amazement. All this is so very superhuman. But the mighty act of God in our salvation calls for endless and heavenly praise.

What a mighty act that God sent His Son by a virgin birth! How marvelously He sent Him as our representative. What an awesome and mighty act that He poured on Him all the vials of His wrath against our sins! What excellent greatness He manifested in raising Him from the dead and in lifting Him to His right hand in heavenly glory, giving Him power over all things in heaven and on earth! Surely all this calls for constant lofty praise.

Do you know of anything that reveals His ''excellent greatness'' more richly and brings us more blessedness? His creating the universe and all its multitude of creatures was a mighty act. No one else could do that and sustain it as He does. Surely the works of His providence are mighty acts. However, that which reveals the greatness of His love, mercy, and grace is the salvation He wrought for us in His Son. Creation reveals the greatness of His wisdom and power. Salvation draws us close to Him to enjoy His love, mercy, and grace in covenant fellowship. Here are mighty acts which eye (including Adam's) hath not seen, ear hath not heard, and were never revealed to man apart from Christ.

Did you give much thought to this today? Have you praised God for it today, or have you reserved only Sunday for singing His praises?

Let this be your daily song (PRC Psalter):

    Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah
    For His mighty acts of fame;
    Excellent His might and greatness:
    Fitting praises then proclaim,

Read: Psalm 33
Psalter versification: #409:2
(Words and Music of the Psalter)

Daily Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Genesis 32:13-20 ; Genesis 33:1ff. ; Genesis 34:1-31 
Matthew 11:7-30 
Psalm 14:1-7 
Proverbs 3:19-20 
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Quote for Reflection:

"Three things there are which men ought never to trifle with: a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin."  ~ J. C. Ryle