Praise Brings Presence

“But you are holy, enthroned in the PRAISES of Israel. Our fathers TRUSTED in You; they TRUSTED,
and you DELIVERED them.”
Psalm 22:3-4 (NKJV)

This morning, I was reading Psalm 22 and the notes in my Bible read, “Praise will bring the presence of God.” Have you ever thought about God being enthroned in praise? I can’t say it’s something I’ve really dwelled on, but if God is surrounded by praise, then as we worship Him, He becomes increasingly near.

My notes also pointed out three key words from this verse—Praises, Trusted, and Delivered.

Praises—No matter what we’re struggling with, God is worthy of praise. We may not feel like worshiping, but even on our darkest days, God is always who he says He is.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever…Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Psalm 107:1,8-9
(The whole psalm is pretty amazing!)

Trusted—Jesus tells us in John 14 not to let our hearts be troubled, but to trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us that as we trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, He will direct our path.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:2

Delivered—Throughout scripture, God saves His people. We need to pray and believe that God is able to deliver us from whatever is hindering us, no matter how many times we have to start over.

“…And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.”
Nehemiah 9:28

God delivers me time after time because He loves me. His love is everlasting and even when I'm struggling, He is worthy of my praise.

Let's praise the Lord for who He is, what He's done, and what He's capable of doing. Let's believe together that as we surround Him with praises, He will be near; and as we continue to trust in Him, He will deliver us time after time!

Delighting

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Margaret Scott Pittman (the better half of this blog), got married last weekend. Meg was a radiant, calm, expectant bride. Throughout the day she was full of grace, love, and exceeding joy!

Her love story is one of faith, patience, and God’s perfect timing. Rather than settling, becoming anxious, or doubting God’s best, Meg waited patiently on the Lord, trusted in Him, and surrendered her heart fully to Him. In fact, she really didn’t waste too much time on boys because her heart was always so set on loving God. Most boys didn't stand a chance, but then there was Scott... As Meg continued to delight in the Lord, He was faithful to give her the desires of her heart. (Psalm 37:4) I can't imagine a husband more perfectly suited for Meg than Scott. Watching Meg and Scott’s story come together has made me increasingly aware of God’s lavish love for each of His children.

While we might not get to dress up in a white gown, walk down the aisle with our closest friends (who just happen to match) and head towards Prince Charming every day, God’s faithfulness and abundant provision are readily available to us on a daily basis.

Only God can satisfy our longings and restore our souls. As we learn to delight in Him and seek to love Him more, we will taste and see more of His goodness.

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.”
Psalm 145:15-17