Isaiah 43:16-21
16 Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings out chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
19 I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild animals will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.
“… 21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. …”
One of the overriding images I have of our mission trip to Liberia is praise. Everywhere we went, from the bustling cities to the countryside villages, the people lifted their hearts, souls, and voices in praise of God. It’s deeply embedded in their words, in their songs, and in their prayers.
Isaiah reminds us that praise of God is the duty and privilege of the faithful. For the Israelites who were delivered from Pharoah’s brickyards, saved at the Red Sea, and led through the wilderness, giving glory and honor to God was integral to their being. While they grumbled and complained at times, their praise of God never ceased. The people of Israel knew whose promised kept them secure. It was to the Lord that their praises were lifted.
Sometimes, I think we forget from whom our salvation, provisions, and hope come. We begin to think that our blessings are our own making. We look to ourselves and our own abilities, talents, and resources for joy and peace. Yet, there in the back of our minds rests the knowledge of the true nature of our blessings; God alone.
Like the people I encountered in Liberia, we are honored to give praise and glory to God alone. We are privileged to worship the One who creates, redeems, and sustains us. Let us remember always that the praise of the Lord is to be forever on our lips, in our hearts, and through our spirits.
Prayer: Lord God of all, we give You glory and praise this day. Unite us with all the saints of every time and every place who raise their hearts, souls, and voice to You. Amen.