June 11, 2008 - The Strength Of Praise

Meditation on Psalm 8:1-4, "O LORD our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of 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 man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (NIV)

This great psalm of David is amazing. It reminds us that we needs to go out door once awhile where there is no obstruction to observe the night sky. Then we will surely feel the glory and majesty of the vast universe and at the same time sense the smallness of self.

The word "praise" in verse two should be translated as "strength" in the original Hebrew. (See NASB) However, Jesus quoted this verse in response to His enemies' criticism of children's praises during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem by saying, "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" (NIV) That means to me that Jesus understood both the interpretations of "strength" and "praise" were acceptable.

Putting these understandings together, I know that praise needs strength. Moreover, the strength to praise is given by God. He has prepared such strength for children. That is why children love to sing praises to God.

We as adults and youth should recapture the strength of praise from God through the meditation of the greatness of God's creation of the universe.

Most of all we can praise Him for giving us the ability to enjoy and utilize the nature. And we look forward that one day we can all rule over the works of His hand since Jesus has reclaimed the glory and honor for man. (Heb 2:6-11)