Never Ending Praise The Lord

  “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3 NIV

I don’t know about you, but I have been pretty confused about the word exaltation. I started writing these devotions because of that word. Every time I would hear it from a pastor or in a song, I always wondered what exactly it meant.

Then, as life unfolded, understanding came and the Holy Spirit said, “Write about it.” BOOM. The devotions began. 

Still needing an understanding, I needed to look up the definition, so I went online.  Exalt means “To lift up, to praise and\or to glorify.”

I asked myself, “how much exalting am I doing?” It’s easy to attend church on Sunday mornings and sing the songs or say the words and nod in agreement with the pastor. I wonder, what does Monday through Saturday look like?

Do we exalt our fears by letting them overpower us? What about our problems. How much more attention and focus do we give our fears and problems than we give to God?

It reminds me of fairly recent times spent in and out of hospitals and medical offices. I was sick with a mysterious disease, at the time, and trying desperately to find answers. That problem seemed too big for me but instead of focusing on God, I allowed the fear and problem to overrule me.

Sure, I prayed the prayers and sang the worship songs- with a smile even. I claimed to trust in him. However, I would be lying if I told you my focus and attention went to God. I would be lying if I said I had unshakeable faith. Instead, I fretted and googled and obsessed. I bought the lie that the diagnosis was the key to everything.

Here’s what I was missing. A magnifying glass doesn’t change the object, but it changes how we see it. Likewise, exaltation changes our perspective of God.

When the fears or anguish of every day life have us in a chokehold, the first thing we should do is immediately surrender to God and pray earnestly. Sing those songs and pray those prayers wkith tears streaming down your face! God isn’t afraid of big emotions. He does however want our focus, attention, and our whole heart.

So what are you magnifying today? Your struggles or your Savior? Pause and exalt Jesus right where you are. Declare his name! Shout with praise and worship that he is greater! Thank him for his perfect love.