“Reason to Praise”
SERMON Title: Reason to Praise
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103 (ESV)
Introduction:
David is the author of today’s psalm. He was often described as a: shepherd, the defeater of Goliath, courageous, the King of Israel, and genuine. God Himself even calls David “a man after His own heart”. Psalm 103 is an exhortation that David lifted up to the Lord. At the bottom of his heart is a genuine sincerity to praise God.
Overview:
Bless the Lord
David begins the psalm by blessing the Lord.
Blessing the Lord includes kneeling before the Lord and His Holy Name.
David was committed to revere as he worships and praises the Lord.
Forget not all His benefits
David is committed to praising and blessing the Lord because He has experienced the grace of God in His life.
The blessings of the Lord come through the treatment, service, and reward God has treated David in love.
As David recounts how good God has been in forgiving and saving him from his sins, David cannot help but lift up His voice and bless the Lord.
For us to strive to not let the joys nor the difficulties of our life divide our focus and heart before and for the Lord. But in every circumstance to remember what God has done and to praise His Name.
Character of God
David’s attention moves away from the benefits to the One who provides: God.
We are no one, yet the Lord’s favour is given to us. It is His grace which saves.
We meditate and fill our hearts with praise for the character of God and His steadfast love.
Application:
To not forget all the benefits of God’s loving grace and faithfulness that He has poured out to us and as we meditate on His unchanging character, may our hearts be filled with praises!
May the Spirit of God stir up our hearts so that we praise Him from the bottom of our hearts, from the inside out.
Regardless of our current situations and emotions, and focusing solely on who He is, let us give Him all the glory and honor that He deserves.
Sermon reflection questions:
When have you experienced God intervening in your life - to satisfy your needs, to save you from destruction, to protect you from your enemies, and/or to heal you from your sickness?
What are the obstacles that prevent you from exhorting the Lord in the valleys? How do you lift up your worship and praises to God in the daily or in the weekly?
