Do you find it strange that the Bible commands us to praise God. Praise is defined as an outward expression of enjoyment. So for example, Psalm 33:1 begins with the command to ‘Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous’. How is it that the Bible can command an emotion, such as joy? You and I cannot demand that someone enjoy steamed pumpkin, or punk rock, as these things are based on people’s individual emotions and preferences. So how is it that the Bible can demand that we enjoy the Lord?
The reason is given in the second half of Ps 33:1; ‘it is fitting for the upright to praise him’. What does this mean? It means it is morally wrong to NOT express our delight in God. But how can this be?
Well since God is an infinite being, he is infinitely more enjoyable than anything else in existence, whether it be delicious food, beautiful artwork, or even Disneyland! So when we express greater praise towards a nice looking outfit, an impressive sporting play, or a beautifully performed stage show, than we do towards God, we are declaring that a created thing is more delightful than our infinite creator, which is a lie. The reason it is fitting to praise God is because it is a truthful expression of reality; God is the most delightful thing in existence.
Added to this is the fact that God has designed us to enjoy him. As the saying goes, God has created humans with a God-shaped whole in our hearts, which God wants to fill. As such, when we are outwardly declaring our delight in the Lord, we are acting in accordance with our design; to enjoy God forever. A failure to praise God is therefore a violation of our design.
So this Sunday at church, or during the week in our private devotions, let us declare those things that are truly amazing about the Lord. For it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
