The late R. J. Stevens and his son Tim have done more to elevate the praise of God’s people than any two men I’ve ever known.
But their greatest contribution wasn’t just teaching music, how to beat time, or how to pitch a song. They reminded us of the why and the Who behind our praise.
Tim once observed that praise is not merely an outward act. It flows from who we are—from the inner person, from the heart. Like the ancient psalmist, we ought to exclaim, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart!” (Ps. 146:1).
Furthermore, praise is not confined to a worship assembly. It belongs everywhere.
It may be expressed in singing, praying, or sharing a word of testimony. It may rise in the family circle during daily devotions. It may accompany us on the drive to work. It may be heard in youth gatherings, men’s prayer breakfasts, or ladies’ luncheons.
Praise belongs anywhere—and at any time.
This truth was reinforced in my Bible reading this morning in Psalm 146, where the psalmist begins with a personal resolve:
“Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live, I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Ps. 146:1–2)
Praise goes beyond prayer, thanksgiving, and supplication. We often pray, thanking God for what He has given us or asking Him for what we need. But praise honors Him for who He is.
Gary Henry was right when he wrote, “While it is certain that we don’t praise God as we should, our problem is not simply a failure to praise Him; it is a failure to appreciate His worthiness to be praised.”
And praise must not be limited to seasons of prosperity. True praise—praise that rises from within—honors God in times of trial, hardship, and adversity.
Read Psalm 146 and reflect on these reminders:
♦ The Lord is our Helper (v. 5)
We need Him for everything—not just in life’s crises, but in its daily details.
I’m reminded of a little girl named Lois, age 9, who prayed: “Dear God, Please help me in school. I need help in spelling, adding, subtracting, science, reading, history, geography, and writing. I don’t need help in anything else.”
That’s us. We need the Divine Helper for everything.
♦ The Lord is our Hope (v. 5)
He is the God of all hope—a hope that transcends this life. It is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in the One who cannot lie. We trust His promises, fulfilled and made alive through Jesus Christ.
♦ The Lord is our powerful Creator (v. 6)
As flowers bloom and dogwood trees blossom, we are reminded of God’s goodness in the beauty of this world. From mountain peaks to ocean shores, creation itself calls us to praise Him.
♦ The Lord is our Provider (vv. 7–8)
He supplies both our physical and spiritual needs. In a land of plenty, it is easy to forget that every good gift comes from Him. His care extends to the oppressed, the hungry, the hurting, the lonely, and the forgotten.
♦ The Lord is Ever-Present (vv. 8–9)
He sees. He knows. He cares.
He is not a distant observer, but a present help—aware of every burden, every sorrow, and every need. He knows your heart and feels your pain.
♦ The Lord is Preeminent (v. 10)
“The Lord shall reign forever.”
Our trust is not in presidents, princes, or kings, but in the eternal God who lives and reigns. His rule is constant. His care is sure.
“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”
So today—whatever your circumstance—lift your heart in praise.
Not just for what God has done, but for Who He is.
Praise the Lord!
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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