SING YE PRAISES WITH UNDERSTANDING

There are a number of ways in which one could approach this topic. It began with a casual landing on Psalm 47:7 and migrated into thoughts concerning the indescribable greatness of our faithful Creator and our grasping of this truth. Without a doubt, his ways are unsearchable and even the most discerning among us will see but a fraction of the whole. Who amongst of us can explain how it’s possible to have “always been;” from everlasting, to everlasting, and without variance? Who can explain the process by which atoms are formulated,  worlds are constructed, and living creatures are brought into being? Who can comprehend the intricacies of the creation; from far-flung galaxies; each containing billions of stars (and countless planets) to single celled organisms; the simplest of which is so complex that it could never be duplicated by another. (although some tamper with the creation in ways that are very dangerous)  And who can explain how God knows the hearts of all 6.7 billion of the earths present inhabitants; not to mention those of every past generation?

Job 31:4 “Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?”

John 2:24-25 “But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men.
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”

As we consider such incredible attributes, we know that a logistical understanding is beyond our grasp. Yet when we are born of the Spirit and begin to consider that these testimonies are true, we can become so overwhelmed with wonder that the words of worship and adoration simply begin to flow. It’s not a forced thing, nor is it a scripted series of catch-phrases. It’s the sincere outpouring of a heart that has just received a glimpse of the everlasting. It’s the expression of one who has ventured beyond the arena of atoms and had an encounter with the Almighty. It’s a deep communion with our Redeemer and a profound sense of commonality with others who have visited this place. All anxieties and commotions lose their authority while an indescribable peace permeates our being. We begin to realize that he is in complete control of every situation and is a very present help in times of despairing.

Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinate.”

To sing praises with understanding is to go far deeper than the touchy-feely experience that many will settle for and is not dependant upon exterior stimulation. It’s a worship that stems from ever-increasing revelation of just how awesome our God is. “Ever-increasing” because we will never run out of something new to discover or something else to think on. And if such is true in this present fallen world where we interract with others from a platform of sinful flesh, one cannot even begin to fathom what it will be like when this corruption puts on incorruption. When the trumpet sounds, announcing the return of Jesus in accordance to scripture. When we see him as he is and are forever in his presence. If that which we presently see through a glass darkly is awesome beyond description, one cannot imagine what the gathering of the elect will be like, or the age to come when God himself is the light in which we dwell.

Ephesians 2:7 “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (I’m somewhat using this verse out of context, however it adds emphasis to the everlasting)

It seems needful to point out that “the moment is fastly approaching” when we will put off this earthly vessel. There’s a tendancy to become discouraged by present goings on; both in our respective venues and in our personal space. It’s easy to lose sight of this understanding and focus on the waves that are positioned to swallow us up. It’s easy to be discouraged when we take inventory of all the times that we’ve not been as faithful as we should have been. It’s easy allow circumstances to have mastery over us; just as Elijah was overwhelmed by Jezebels threatenings. (and this, right after the Lord honored the sacrifice in the presence of 850 prophets of baal and the groves)

I Kings 19:4 “But he himself went a days journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”

We  are easily discouraged when those in our ambience seem able to implement their wicked agenda with no rebuke. It’s easy to see the commotion before us and forget that “it’s only for a season.” We will understand this from a theological standpoint, but when the enemy is bearing down from every angle, these truths can seem far removed. The understanding of who God is and the grasping of our great salvation, has to be more than lifeless theology. Our worship has to be more than just a formula that we use to get things. That sounds mean, but I’ve heard it. I’ve heard teaching in which praise and worship seemed to be part of a five step plan to receive presents. True worship is void of self and focused completely on God. It stems from understanding and believing that which is written concerning him; even when circumstances seem to favor an alternate worldview. Psalm 73 addresses this well and the following verse reveals the remedy:

Psalm 73:16-18 “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castest them down to destruction
How are they brought to desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.”

When this person left the sanctuary, their situation was the same as when they went in. But the understanding was increased as the whole of the matter came into focus. One more passage just came to mind, along with a cogitation that has been present for some time. (This may initially seem removed from the topic at hand)

John 8:24 “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

We have no way of knowing how many were hearing these words, nor do we know how may may have believed later on. One thing, however, is for certain. In the years beyond this encounter, each of these souls went into eternity. One by one, they left their kingdoms and went into the realm of the everlasting. At the moment of departure, the only thing that mattered was whether or not they believed on Jesus; the only begotten Son of God. For those who rejected the truth, they will forever remember the moment when Jesus looked into their eyes and said “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Psalm 47:7 “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”

Well I have to go for now. My prayer is that we would all take time to just be still and know that God is. To step away from the commotion, find a quiet place, and spend time in the presence of Jesus. It’s a place of fellowship, rest, revelation, instruction, and perspective. There are moments in the presence of the Lord of such completeness that words are an intrusion. A place of total contentment; where there is a want for nothing. It’s as though, if someone were to burst onto the scene and ask “if you could have anything in the world what would it be?” the reply would be “I’m content. There’s nothing of this world that I desire.” To one who has never been here, it sounds crazy; even reckless. But it is the authentic peace of God and it defies the very foundation of what the world refers to as “logic.” 

Blessings always in Jesus name.