Give God Pleasure Today

While reading comments on Psalm 149 in Spurgeon's Treasury of David, I gained a new perspective on why the Lord so frequently calls us to praise Him--or rather an old perspective. Spurgeon had included a sermon preached by Samuel Fairclough in 1650, so the insight was hardly new. The sermon was titled "The Prisoner's Praise:"

 "Now the Lord, who is of the most perfect understanding, and deepest skill and knowledge, declares himself to take infinite delight in his people's praises. It is his solace and pleasure to be attended with them, either in earth or in heaven, by men or angels; and his soul is ravished with the thoughts and contemplation of them."

Our praises give solace and pleasure to God, and His soul is ravished with the thought of our praises! Selah! (Pause and think on that.)

Could it be that the reason scripture commands us to praise more often than to pray is because God so gloriously enjoys our praise? We praise God, not just to obey a command or to gain victory over the enemy, but out of a desire to delight God.

The psalmist understood that his praises gave pleasure to God. "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs" (Psalm 69:30).

God, I am in awe to think that You are so utterly joyful when I praise You. I'm amazed that You have great delight and pleasure when I offer You thanks.

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth" (Psalm 149:6 KJV).