Close To The Heart Of God

Psalms‬ ‭148:13‬

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” Psalms‬ ‭148:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This picture of God, whose praise resounds all over the earth, all over the world. From the heights above to the depths beneath, from the skies to the deepest seas, God is worthy of praise from all creation.

While we must be good stewards of God’s earth, He made it and we are told the power of His Son sustains all creation. The same power that created the earth can keep it going and determine the cycles through which it goes. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead to never die again can keep life on this globe as long as it is His Will. It is all under His control.

Calamity is coming but it will be the coming of Jesus and the final judgment of those who deny Him as Lord. The verses preceding verse 13, list all the things or people who are to praise the Lord. This list includes all of creation, the animals, the land, the vegetation, the weather, and all humans of all ages. In a very simple way it states that every one and every thing should be praising the Lord.

And the whole reason for praising God is that His name is exalted above everything. During the Old Testament, it was God whose name was exalted. In the New Testament and since, it was the name of Jesus that is exalted above all names. Even the world recognizes that praise is only given to a person or thing that deserves it.

The world looks at different people and give them praise for what they have done. Usually these things done are temporary things of this world. There are times where the things done are not good in any way. Jesus is to be praised because of all that He has done. The greatest thing that Jesus had ever did was His obedience when He died on the cross.

His death on the cross was something that was great for every person and for all of creation. It was a death to set every one and every thing free from the bondage of death and sin. Jesus is the only one who can provide a way to get to the Father–God, the only one who can provide a way into heaven. He is the only one who can provide forgiveness of sins, which each and every one of them has a sentence of death.

Jesus is the one who can provide you abundant life here on this earth and in eternity. He is the one who has created everything that you enjoy. Today think about all that Jesus has done for you. Now lift His name up and give Him praise. Let the whole world know what He has done and is doing and will do.

All of us who have trusted in Jesus, who know God, who’ve been made in His image in a way that’s different from flying birds and cattle and mountains and hills and stars and planets. You and I, made in the image of God to praise God, to enjoy and exalt God in all of His glory. This is what you’re made for. It’s what I’m made for. To be close to the heart of God, enjoying Him in all of His glory. Exalting Him in all of the earth.

Live for Him each and every moment of each and every day. That is praise to the Lord. As you go through your day today, do not forget to Praise the Lord!!!

Father thank You for this day and for Your wonderful love and Your matchless grace shown to us every day. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family today. Lord thank You for this earth and all of Your creation, for the life we are allowed to live and enjoy so much. Lord thank You for coming to die for our sin. Lord thank You for revealing Your Will to us in written Word and allowing us to understand how to live for You. Lord give us a heart of love, a spirit of compassion and a will to serve You by serving others. Lord help us embrace our faith daily. Lord use my friend to be a light of Your love. Be a blessing

Father, we love You. Amen !