ROMANS 15:11

“And again, ‘PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.’”

I can’t think of a better way to introduce today’s verse than with the hymn “God of Mercy, God of Grace.” Just take a look at these lyrics and then read our verse again.

1 God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of Your face.
Shine upon us, Savior, shine; fill Your world with light divine;
all Your saving health extend unto the earth’s remotest end.

2 Let the people praise You, LORD; by all living things adored.
Let the nations shout and sing glory to their gracious King;
at Your feet their tribute pay and Your holy will obey.

3 Let the people praise you, LORD; earth shall then its fruits afford.
To Your children blessings give; we to You devoted live,
all below and all above, one in joy and light and love.

Paul continues quoting the Psalms, this time quoting Psalm 117:1 which reads in the New American Standard Version, “Praise the LORD, all nations; Sing His praises, all peoples!” I like that translation. The Hebrew word translated “sing” is shabach. It’s only used eleven times in the Old Testament. The Topical Lexicon says it can mean “laudatory proclamation—public, enthusiastic praise directed toward the Lord;” That is what Paul is calling us all to do in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

I have shared before that part of my daily Quiet Time with the Lord involves singing to Him. I literally sing a hymn to Him each morning if at all possible. (I do that quietly since my wife does not want me to wake her at 5 a.m. with singing, lol). How do you praise Him? Do you read a Psalm? That’s a good way. Maybe you sing a praise chorus. That works, too. There are so many ways to praise Him. But make sure that when you do it, you are being sincere.

Some of my most cherish memories have been when I was in another country and could hear the people sing praises in their own language. If I knew the song, I would sing along in English. I once was at a conference where we asked every man there to sing in their local dialect the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” I get goosebumps just thinking about that. How the Lord must have smiled.

If you are not in the habit of singing to the Lord, try it. You do not have to be a soloist or have a great voice. After all, we are told to make a “joyful noise.” God can distinguish between the good notes and the bad ones and still be honored and glorified. As you finish this blog today, end with a song. Pick out your favorite hymn and glorify His name.

I sing praises to Your name, O Lord. Praises to Your name, O Lord!

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