Monday, January 1, 2024

Psalm 148

Praise the Name of the Lord

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord! Psalm 148 (ESV)

Happy New Year! Some of you are in disbelief that 2023 is gone and others probably can’t wait to close the door on it. Personally, 2023 felt like a comeback year for me, and for that, I am praising God.

As I read Psalm 148 and prepared for this devotion, the song “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship kept popping into my head. This song became popular in 2019, around the time I finally became pregnant with my son, Calvin. Up until that point, my husband and I couldn’t seem to catch a break on much in life and I felt myself slipping into a depression as the family I had prayed for seemed entirely out of reach. But finally, after years, losses, and multiple draining rounds of IVF, I was pregnant!

Halfway through the pregnancy, I vividly remember driving at the section of 14th and Old Cheney. It was after another promising doctor appointment and the reality of becoming a mother was sinking in. I could feel the baby moving and “Yes I Will” came on. I completely broke down and swore I would never question God’s plan again and would praise Him through the worst.

Little did I know the worst was around the corner and 2020-2022 would be the most challenging years of my life as illness plagued members of my family; I lost my husband to cancer, and found myself raising Calvin alone. But through all of that struggle, I never forgot “Yes I Will” and did my best to carry on. God proved faithful. While I’ve had to grieve and grow in ways I never imagined, He’s restored me and I have much to look forward to in 2024. I know hard times will come again, and if they’re currently plaguing you, I am so sorry. But hold on, sing for joy even when your heart is heavy, and know that God is working all things out.

Question for Reflection:

• Close your eyes and listen to “Yes I Will”. Jot down your favorite lyrics. Here are mine:
  I count on one thing
  The same God that never fails
  Will not fail me now

  In the waiting
  The same God who's never late
  Is working all things out

  Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
  Yes I will, bless Your name
  Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
  All my days, oh yes I will 

• Now compare this song of praise to Psalm 148. What similarities can you pick out?

Prayer

Dear God, 
Praise be to you for another year. Through the highs and lows, You were there. Bless us in 2024 and help us to be joyful, thankful, and unwavering - even in the lowest valleys. Amen.

PraiseJoy