Let Everything That Has Breath, Praise the LORD!

Greetings!!!

What weather are you experiencing this morning? Here in central Pennsylvania, it is dark and dreary, and it looks like it will probably rain all day. How does a day like this make you feel? One of my first experiences this morning was walking outside with Elizabeth to say goodbye. Apart from the patter of rain, what sound do you think I heard? The birds were singing! One in particular that I was able to pick out quickly was the "Cheer, cheer, cheer!" of the bright red cardinal. My first thought was, he must be soaked, and yet he sings.

As I walked back into the house, I heard "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!" 

So my encouragement for you today is from Psalm 150.

PRAISE the LORD!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty expanse..

Praise Him for His mighty deeds;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Praise Him with the trumpet sound;

Praise Him with harp and lyre.

Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!

I do not see any qualifications on the command to praise the LORD. It does not say that you do not need to if it is gloomy and raining. There is no exception because you have a headache or are sick with some sort of disease, even if it is something unusual or even if there are various illnesses that you are battling. It does not say that you do not need to praise the LORD if you are fighting with your children or had a spat with your spouse. And no, I do not see an exception for sin and failure. As much as God desires your praise, the praise in not for His benefit. It is for yours. Praise changes you and ushers the presence of God into your life, giving your life purpose and meaning, even on a dingy, raining morning. So praise the LORD! Praise Him loudly! Join in with the birds that will not let the rain stop their praise. 

The LORD bless you with singing His praises today.

I love you,

Ruth