The Stones and The Rocks

Every now and then I come back to this subject of thanking and praising the Lord.  This is so important in a believer’s life, it not only pleases the Lord but when we praise the King of kings and Lord of lords, getting all other distractions out of our minds, it is healing to our very souls.  It can be like entering another dimension in our Christian experience.  It not only invigorates us but it blesses the Lord also.  Did you know that God inhabits the praise of His people?

This is what David said in Psalms 22:3, “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”

David also said this in Psalms 27:6 “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”

David knew the importance of praise, not only that it is important but it should automatically spring forth from a heart of gratitude and thankfulness.  If you realize where the good Lord has lifted you out of, the very dregs of Hell itself, snatching you from its fiery flames, resurrecting you from death to life, because all of us were walking dead people before God drew us to Jesus and our blind eyes were opened.  You should be able to break forth with praise and adoration unto the Lord automatically at any time without any music or anyone coaxing you whatsoever.

The reason I said we were dead is because we were spiritually dead before we were quickened, or brought to new life, in Christ, our Savior and Lord.  David could say these things, not because he never knew discouragement, disappointment or turmoil in his life, but he knew where his help came from and who he could depend on regardless of what circumstance or situation he found himself in.

David said this in Psalms 27:1-5:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me

To eat up my flesh,

My enemies and foes,

They stumbled and fell.

Though an army may encamp against me,

My heart shall not fear;

Though war may rise against me,

In this I will be confident.

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a rock.”

David knew what everyone else will know someday, that Jesus Christ is Lord and was his only hope.  Remember what David said in Psalms 23:1-6:

“The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.”

Let me refresh your memory of what Jesus said in Luke 19 when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people were lined up praising Him, which made the Pharisees angry, telling Jesus to rebuke His disciples in verse 39.  Jesus said this in verse 40, “But He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.’”

Jesus was setting up His kingdom in the hearts of me, women and children, not an earthy kingdom like many were hoping for and it was a cause of a great celebration.  What about you?  Do you let the rocks cry out for you or do you praise Him because He is worthy?  I hope regardless of where you find yourself today, if you are a believer you will take some time out of your busy schedule to praise Him.  Something to think about, may the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super day!!