June 6, 2025 - God is Worthy of All Praise
Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Scripture Reading – Psalm 73
The psalmist is struggling to understand the prosperity of the wicked, and even goes so far as to admit being envious of them (v. 16, 3). What was a turning point for him? He went into the sanctuary of God (v. 17). God has never not been with him, nor has he changed, but there is a distinct change in the psalmist when he comes to this realization. He expresses both a confession and a praise in verse 26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The psalmist shares his testimony in response – that I may tell of all your works. (v. 28). What a beautiful way to praise God! Our testimonies can be a way to praise God because we are giving him the glory in all of our circumstances for his goodness and very presence in our lives. The apostle Paul also speaks to the greatness and mystery of God in Romans 11:33-36. We might not understand the depth of his love, or the mystery of God’s ways. But that doesn’t negate the truths that he is always with us, and that from [Christ] and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.That is the who, why and how we are to worship.
Alleluia, or Hallelujah, comes from two Hebrew words – Hallel (praise) and Yahweh (the unchanging, eternal, self-existent God. He is the “I am that I am,” the covenant-keeping, relational God). Our first song on Sunday will be “All Creatures of Our God and King” where we’ll sing Lift up your voice and with us sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Just like the psalmist who was never not in the presence of God, “He Will Hold Me Fast” is a reminder that Jesus will never leave us. Next, we’ll sing “All I have is Christ” and rejoice Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life. He is worthy of all our praise.
Further reading: Exodus 3:13-15; Isaiah 40:13; Ephesians 1:9; Hebrews 13:5-6; Revelation 22:13
Reflection Questions:
1. How might praising God and giving him glory in all things change your perspective on the difficulties that we see and experience in this life?
2. How might your testimony of confession and praise of not just what God has done, but who he is, impact those who hear it?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me and always being near. Forgive me when I’ve turned away from you in frustration or lack of understanding. Lord, give me courage to tell of all your works. Let my life and testimony be a praise to give you glory today. Amen.
You can access a playlist of the worship songs here.
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