I enjoy symphony concerts. The blending of musical instruments is beautiful as they join together in harmonies, rhythms, and melodies.
I also enjoy choirs. It was my privilege to be a choir pianist during the years my husband was a choir director. After that, I was a church pianist and the choir was the congregation. What a beautiful sound as voices blended in praise to God!
There’s a hymn I’ve always loved called “This is My Father’s World.” It was written by Maltbie D. Babcock, a Presbyterian minister, and published in 1901. According to Hymnary.org, it’s been published in 322 hymnals, so I’m not the only one who has liked it.
I wonder if Rev. Babcock was meditating on Psalm 148 when he wrote this song. The opening line says, “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.”
In fourteen short verses, Psalm 148 lists created things from the sky to the sea to the earth and people. ALL are to praise God because they came into being at His command (V. 5). Also, He set them in place forever (V. 6). Isn’t it nice to be able to depend on night and day, the four seasons, the rain cycle, and food grown for all living things?
What does it mean to give God praise? That’s when we express our appreciation, thanks, and/or admiration for things like: 1) Our amazing world, 2) personal blessings, 3) who God is, and 4) what He Is still doing.
A major reason to praise God is for His great love. Jesus fulfilled the Father’s requirement of a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (John 1:29). Through Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins and life with God forever (John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Psalm 23; 2 Corinthians 5:8).
You are invited to join a worldwide symphony of praise to Almighty God. Just like instruments played individually in a symphony, so are our praises to God, whether spoken or sung.
Note: Psalm 100 and 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 give plenty of praise-worthy ideas. And don’t forget Psalm 148.
Pixabay: Sound, Sounds, Concert; geralt
You and Sherry Benvenuti were such a blessing to the GT Choir. I’ve always admired your great musical gift from God! Thank you for playing the piano at my mom’s (B Price) memorial service at Vanguard.
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