Tag: Praise

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Deborah: Praising God for Victory

Today’s Reading: Judges 4:1-5:9; SOAP: Judges 5:3-9

“Listen, you kings!
    Pay attention, you mighty rulers!
For I will sing to the Lord.
    I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.

4 “Lord, when you set out from Seir
    and marched across the fields of Edom,
the earth trembled,
    and the cloudy skies poured down rain.
5 The mountains quaked in the presence of the Lord,
    the God of Mount Sinai—
in the presence of the Lord,
    the God of Israel.

6 “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,
    and in the days of Jael,
people avoided the main roads,
    and travelers stayed on winding pathways.
7 There were few people left in the villages of Israel[b]—
    until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.
8 When Israel chose new gods,
    war erupted at the city gates.
Yet not a shield or spear could be seen
    among forty thousand warriors in Israel!
9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel,
    with those who volunteered for war.
Praise the Lord!

Judges 5:3-9
Observations:

The first part of the story is important in understanding and appreciating the victory, so let’s take a look…

  • The Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight
  • The LORD turned them over to King Jabin of Canaan
  • The army’s general was Sisera
  • The Israelites cried out to the LORD for help because Sisera’s army was strong and he had cruelly oppressed them for twenty years

Meanwhile, God is working through a Prophetess named Deborah. Verse four says that she was leading Israel at the time of Sisera’s oppression of Israel. One day Deborah brought the commander of Israel’s army to her and reminded him what God had called him to do, which was to go to battle against Sisera and Jabin’s army. Deborah encouraged his obedience by promising her help (6-9). When Barak agreed she made sure he understood that while the victory would belong to Israel, he would not be the one gaining fame. She explained that the LORD would turn Sisera over to a woman, which is exactly what happened (14-24).

The Victory Song

Deborah’s song of praise that she sang with Barak did not focus on HOW the victory humanly took place, nor on who the “people were” that brought down the enemies – BUT on God alone! It was specific to what God had done and how He had used Deborah as a motherly protector in Israel.

How Then Should We Live?

We may not sit in a judge’s seat or rule God’s people from under a tree but we would be right to encourage others to do what God has called them to do, as Deborah did with Barak. The author of Hebrews said that we must encourage one another daily so that no one becomes hardened by sins deceitfulness.

We would also be right and wise to sing a victory praise song to celebrate God’s goodness, focusing the praise on Him and what He did.

 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

Hebrews 3:13 CSB
Prayer Response:

Father – victory is ours through Jesus Christ! May we be quick to sing Your praises – specific to what you’ve done and always focused on You. – AMEN!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Deborah’s story?

Reflection Questions:

Deborah praised God in the midst of battle.

  • Why is this important for us to do as well?
  • Why is it important to remember how God has fought on our behalf?
  • What can we learn from Deborah’s example?
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Leah: Praise the LORD

Day 2, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly

Today’s Reading: Genesis 29:31-35, 30:9-21; SOAP Genesis 29:35

Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, for she said, “Now I will praise the Lord!” And then she stopped having children.

Genesis 29:35
Observations:
This Time

Leah had already been blessed with three other sons and with the first two births she acknowledged they were from the Lord. With the first two and the third she also made mention of the situation with her husband, how she was unloved and hoping that because of the children he would love her more. However, with the birth of the fourth son, her words were different, “This time I will praise the LORD!”, perhaps indicating a different attitude – as though not so woe is me. Whatever the difference meant, the noted praise was more intentional and direct.

Worth Noting

It is worth nothing that this fourth son, Judah, is the one God names as the tribe from which His own Son, The Lion of Judah, will come. 

The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a symbol found in Genesis and Revelation. In Genesis, Jacob blesses his son Judah, referring to him and his future tribe as a lion’s cub and a lion (Genesis 49:9). In Revelation, this symbol is seen again when the Lion of the tribe of Judah is declared to have triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (Revelation 5:5). Jesus is the One who is worthy to open the scroll (see John 5:22). Therefore, Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. https://www.gotquestions.org/lion-tribe-Judah.html
How Then Should We Live?

We should be quick to acknowledge God’s work in our lives – or even in the lives of others. Direct and intentional praise brings glory to God – which is something we should strive for. After all, we were created to for His glory.

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.’”

Isaiah 43:7
One Other Note

I feel I would be remiss if I failed to mention this one other observation that I believe is a point worth imitating. Leah commemorated all of the births as blessings of God by naming them with names that would remind her what God had done. I can’t help but think this is something to consider, not necessarily in the naming of our children but capturing the gifts in a journal, or with a photograph, or a conversation … the special ways God reveals Himself to you throughout your life. The Israelites used stones on a variety of occasions as memorial markers, such as in Genesis 28:1-22 and Joshua 4, Leah used names, what can you use?

Prayer Response:

Father, we are quick to say, “God did this”, but let us never fail to be intentional to genuinely praise You! Let us find ways to remember what You have done, so that they remain testaments of Your goodness and Your faithfulness – that we may never cease to praise You. May our praises bring You the glory and pleasure You are due! – Amen!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Leah’s story?

Reflection Questions:

In the midst of feeling unloved by her husband, we see Leah praising God for blessing her with her children.

  • What does this story teach us about Leah and her relationship with God?
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Beautifully Surrendered: Looking Ahead to Week 5

A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters

In the coming week (week 5), we will look at what it means to be “Women of Joy and Praise”. We will build on knowing that God loves, sees, and cherishes women, and continue to focus on the fact that faith and prayer play a huge part in our surrender and sacrifice that is required of those who follow Jesus.

Our focus/memory verse is found in Psalm 34:1 – I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. It’s a lovely example of the praises we will read in the stories we read this week as we continue our journey through the word, discovering “God’s heart for His daughters”.

This Week’s Challenge from the team at Love God Greatly:

Who in your life have you seen fight for joy and praise God in the midst of hard times? Make a point this week to encourage her and share what you have seen in her life and how it has impacted you.

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The One Worthy of Praise!

Every day I will praise you.
I will praise your name continually.
The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise.
No one can fathom his greatness.

Psalm 145:2-3
Praise is a choice

Praise is a choice, a way of life. It has a focus and a reason and when the focus and reason are good and right, when they are the LORD and His greatness, when they are real – then the praise will never end – for God will never cease to amaze us, even in the midst of our suffering.

How then should I live?

It is good to read and even pray through the Psalms but to truly apply them we must seek the relationship with God and the knowledge of God that the Psalmist has. Otherwise our focus will be only words on a page – quickly forgotten or laid aside because they hold no real value.

My Prayer Response

Father, truly no one can fathom, or understand, Your greatness! But from the time I was given even a glimpse of Your greatness I learned to say – with or like the Psalmist – LORD, You are great and worthy of PRAISE; and I am certain I will praise Your name and deeds forever!

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Praise the LORD

Today’s Reading: Psalm 116 (SOAP verse 48)

The Lord God of Israel deserves praise,
in the future and forevermore.
Let all the people say, “We agree! Praise the Lord!”

Psalm 106:48
A Recounting

This is one of those readings that make it tempting to skip right to the soap/focus verse – but as always I encourage you to read the whole passage. It’s actually a beautifully written cliff notes version of God’s people during the exodus and the conquest. While it opens and ends with the Psalmist praising the LORD, much of the chapter focuses on repentance through a recounting of Israel’s failures. We can certainly learn a lot from it – such as failure to appreciate and remember God’s work and love for us leads to rebellion (7) and the importance of God’s reputation (8). We read of how they praised God and then would quickly forget what He had done (12-13). They resented their Spiritual leaders, Moses and Aaron (16) and did evil in the sight of the LORD – like making and worshiping idols and rejecting their true and living God (19-21). Even after His mercies were shown to them they still lived in rebellion (23-25). Because of these things God would eventually make them die in the wilderness (26-27), again and again they angered God by their hideous and rebellious deeds (29-40) so “He handed them over to the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them”(41). He delivered them many times but their attitudes were still rebellious (43). Yet, “He took notice of their distress when He heard their cry for help and relented because of His great loyal love” (44-45) – Because of the recounting of these things and because of all of God’s mighty acts the Psalmist acknowledged that God was worthy of praise now and forevermore and he encouraged the people to praise Him.

The Recounting Results

A “recounting” of God’s ‘mighty acts’ will always lead us to praise Him. Praise Him not only for the present but for the future and forever. The Psalmist not only realized that God deserved praise but he encouraged all the people to agree with him and praise the LORD.

How Then Do I Live?

I should be faithful to “recount” God’s mighty acts. I should be quick to realize and always be aware that God is worthy of my praise. I should also encourage ‘others to see and agree and praise the LORD’.

Why does it matter?

Because others will ‘see and agree’ only when we are faithful to recount and actively praise Him – sparking a fire in those around us and for generations to come.

Prayer Response

Father, help me. Help Your people to notice Your mighty acts. To remember them from days of old. And to recount them faithfully as edification and encouragement for ourselves and others to PRAISE You. For truly You are worthy, both now and always! Help us not only to learn to PRAISE You from the recounting but may the recounting also be a warning and reminder of where rebellion and discontent and grumbling and forgetfulness lead us. Thank You for Your loyal love and faithfulness to forgive – to relent. All Your deeds are praiseworthy – this we know and give you praise. Let all the people agree. – Amen!

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Remembering His Faithfulness

Today’s Reading: Psalm 9 (SOAP verses 10 and 11)

Your loyal followers trust in you,

for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion.

Tell the nations what he has done.

Psalm 9:10-11 NET

“You can be an instrument through which others encounter God, but only to the extent that you encounter God.”1

The Commitment to Remember

From the beginning of this study, Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering, we have been given examples about remembering and how it helps us turn our laments into praise. In Psalm 77, we read how Moses, a man who was undeniably an instrument of God, committed to remembering the works of the LORD and we saw how it changed his whole attitude. Now we’ve arrived at the last week of the study and we see, as we have throughout, that it’s still about remembering, recalling, pondering, and talking about the goodness of God that strengthens us to walk through the valleys of this world.

I will remember the works of the Lord.

Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago.

12 I will think about all you have done;

I will reflect upon your deeds.”

Psalm 77:11-12
The Impact of Remembering

Our Psalm today was written by David who, without question, was and is used as an instrument of God. From this Psalm alone you can tell that he encountered God often and in a number of ways – and his praises seem to flow endlessly, even in the midst of his laments. The impact of his words still inspire us today. His prayers teach us to cry out to God, to pray against the enemy, to trust God, to find favor in His sight, and the list goes on. Consider also the words he spoke of his encounters with God when he was petitioning Saul to allow him to face the giant, Goliath. 

But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”  His words were bold and his acknowledgement that God was with him seemed to have an impact on the decision - as we read: Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the LORD be with you!”

Then, when he is standing before the Philistine giant, again he remembers and uses the words almost as ammunition against the giant. Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

You see David's words and remembrance of his encounters with God rescuing him not only impacted Saul's decision but they impacted David's courage and tenacity - and ultimately the fate of the giant.        

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017&version=NIV
HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE

Like Moses and David, we need to encounter God regularly through His Word, through prayer, and watching for His fingerprints of activity in and around our lives. We need to know that His Word says and has shown that we can trust Him in times of trouble (Ps 9:9, Nahum 1:7). We need to remember that, according to Matthew 28:20 and others, we can trust Him not to abandon those who belong to Him.

According to this passage (vs 10-11) and many in the new testament, namely Luke 9:23 – we should be loyal followers, ones who deny themselves and take up our crosses daily to follow Him. We should trust in Him not being afraid that He will abandon us. We should seek His help, sing His praises, and tell others what He has done.

23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. 

Luke 9:23

Father, Thank You for showing me, in so many ways that You can be trusted. From hearing our prayers to provision of safety and not abandoning us-even in the difficult days we can trust You and praise You. We can tell others of Your good deeds so that among the “Nations” You will be praised! May You find us faithful, servants after Your own heart.

1 Priscilla Shirer (one in a million, journey to your promised land)

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The Source of Our Strength

Today’s Reading: Psalm 22 (SOAP: Psalm 22:19)

But You, Lord, don’t be far away.
My strength, come quickly to help me.

Psalm 22:19
The Bigger Picture

Oh how I hope you read the entire Psalm. It’s so easy to skip ahead to the soap verse, I know – because I almost did it (and have done it before). However, I have learned that reading “the verse” in it’s full context is always helpful and often the meat around “the verse” is juicier than “the main portion”. While I love the SOAP passage, I definitely think verses 1-21 enhance verse 19 and bring the fuller flavor or meaning of the verse to the surface. Don’t stop with the main course though or you’ll miss the wonderful dessert found when reading through to verse 31. It’s like icing on a cake.

DETERMINATION

David felt like he had been abandoned by God and so he began groaning and dwelling, it would seem, on thoughts of his circumstances which fed or encouraged raw emotions and disappointment. If we read carefully though we will see that while disappointment was a part of the picture David also displayed determination, particularly in verse 2 where even though God doesn’t answer him during the day David cries out to him without letting up in the night. When we read on to verses 3 and 4, we hear him cry out “You, (God) are holy” and “in You, (God),our ancestors trusted”. Why did David’s earlier cry of abandonment in verse 1 suddenly sound like hope? I believe it’s because he was determined to move beyond the way things felt to recalling and acknowledging that God is holy and was trusted by the ancestors of the Israelites. You see, as with, Asaph’s determination evokes hope and hope builds from recalling what God had done in the past.

BUT GOD

David knew he was dependent on God and began naming his trouble, both from others and from himself as well as his weakening physical state and emotions, verses 11-18. Peter taught that we are to cast all of our anxieties on God because He cares for us so clearly there’s nothing wrong with taking our cares to the LORD. However, when we do, we must be guarded that they don’t push us away from God but toward Him. Which appears to be exactly what happened in verse 19. David, in naming his troubles, realizes his desperation for God and cries out – “LORD, do not remain far away. You are my source of strength. Hurry and help me! Then he becomes more specific with his requests, “Deliver me from the sword”, “Save my life …” Rescue me…” and then there it is … “You have answered me.” It’s like icing on the cake – taking “verse 19” from savory to sweet.

The Move from petition to THANKSGIVING.

I picture myself sitting in the presence of King David, listening to him speak this Psalm. The inflections of anguished cries of – “Why have You abandoned me?” – covered over with the peaceful sigh of the realization that God had not abandoned Him but had answered him. Then watching and listening as He declares God’s name to “his countrymen”. He not only declares praise to the LORD but in doing so he incites the people to praise the LORD. Then, without warning I am giving God praise as well and find myself grateful for those who have faithfully told generation after generation about the LORD, of His saving deeds, and what He has accomplished. Because of their faithfulness I worship the God of David and know Him as the source of my strength, the One I cry out to in times of struggle – the One I know will help me – because time and again He has answered me.

The application
  • Take everything to God in prayer – even feelings/questions of abandonment
  • When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart
  • Be determined to pray even when it seems God isn’t answering
  • Remember ‘who’ God is and what He’s done
  • Never lose sight of how very dependent I am on the LORD
  • Watch and wait for His answers
  • When the answers come – turn my petitions into thanksgiving
  • Keep the message going to the next generation
Prayer

Father, what a beautiful Psalm! Thank You that you do not abandon your people and thatYou do not remain far off. Thank You that You do hear and answer our prayers and while you allow suffering to touch our lives – You faithfully work all things together for the good of those who love You and have been called according to Your purpose. Help me to faithfully cast all my anxieties on You so that they do not overcome me but draw me closer to You. And may my tongue declare Your name, making known Your saving deeds and what You have accomplished. praising You among the people and may the praise incite others to praise You as well – so that generation after generation will know You. – In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Read: Luke 1:46-55 and Psalm 113; SOAP: Psalm 113:1-2

Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.

    Praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord

    now and forever.

Psalm 113:1-2

Reflection: It’s the last Friday of our Advent study, The greatest Gift Given, and it’s time to praise the Lord again. Is there something you can praise Him for today? Think back through the week – where did you see God’s fingerprints or hear HIs voice. What has He done that you know could only have been Him? Have you known peace in your heart or mind? Take some time to give God praise! Let’s end our study time together with some Praise for the Greatest Gift Ever!

I pray you have a wonderful Christmas celebration! Our Savior has arrived—the King of kings and Lord of lords! Our Redeemer has been born and we get to join with angels in heaven as we sing His praises. Before the gifts are opened, before the meals are shared, before the carols are sung, sing praise to God, for He alone is worthy.

Read the full devotional from the Love God Greatly Team

And don’t forget the blog

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Your Love is Better Than Life

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Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

During a time David spent in the wilderness he wrote that God’s love is unfailing and better than life! With those two declarations He was moved to praise Him.

I remember the first time I read this verse, or actually heard it read during a Sunday night service – shortly after I had lost a baby and nearly my life through a ruptured tubal pregnancy. The words were like a soothing balm then and continue to be a calming source of comfort and joy every time I read or hear them.

I hope they are a blessing to you as well – as you picture His love flowing deep and wide all around you – whether life is filled with joys or full of heartache and despair – God’s love never fails and it truly is better than life itself! You’ll find the whole passage below to give you a fuller picture of David’s thoughts (and mine that first time I heard them) –

O God, You are my God; I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy.  I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely.

Psalm 63:1-8 (NLT)

Whether I am in a “wilderness experience” or rejoicing on a mountain-top I have learned – it is good to stop and remember the height and depth, and length and width of God’s love and give Him praise!

Me from the Insideout –