The driving force of this psalm is praise. Eleven times in fourteen verses the psalmist issues the command to praise God. Over thirty categories of people, places, and things are invited to participate. Everyone and everything in the heavens (stars, sun, moon, angels) and on the earth (mountains and oceans, birds and beasts, fire and snow, kings and children) is called to exalt the Lord.

Why? Because everyone and everything came into being by God’s command and for his glory. All that is, owes its existence, beauty, power, place, and position to God and therefore must gladly join in the chorus of his praise.

We were created not only to know God, believe in him, and live for him, but to praise him. And how many reasons we have to do just that because of what Christ has done for us! He is worthy to be rejoiced in, delighted in, revered, adored, shouted about, and sung to. Praise is a gracious command and a gracious invitation: we ought to do this, and we get to do it because of Jesus.

So, listen outside and hear creation’s melody. Join in the chorus. Hear the song of heaven crying out, “Jesus, Lamb for sinners slain!” and add your voice. Call upon those you live and work with to join in as well. May “everything with life and breath, everywhere from east to west, every heart raised from the dead, praise Him!”

Praise His Name (Psalm 148) by Sovereign Grace, from the album Unchanging God: Songs From The Book Of Psalms Vol 2. Reflections curated by Sovereign Grace Music.