A perspective of praise

First Chronicles 29 is a powerful example of what praise can do.  It inspired David, it inspired his son, and it inspired the nation.  And, although, authentic praise is directed to God, it is important to not forget the benefits that we reap from it.  First of all, praise reminds us of who He is.  By praising Him for His awesome wonders, we are reminded of Him in all His wonder - something we forget all too easily.  Praise also reminds us who we are.  It gives us perspective.  It is pretty much impossible to emerge from all-out worship of the Father without realizing just how insignificant we are.  I love the beginning of Psalm 8.  It is after considering "the works of God's hands" and praising Him for it, that the Psalmist realizes just how small He is.  So my goal this week is to gain a new perspective - to praise God with all I am in everything I do, so that I may understand anew who He is - and who I am, as well.

Psalm 8:1-4

LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants 

you have established a stronghold against your enemies, 

to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them, 

human beings that you care for them?