Psalm 109:30
30"With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; and in the midst of many I will praise Him.”
Reflection: “I Will Praise Him,” Part 2
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
As I “piggy back” on yesterday’s Rooted, I wanted to highlight verse 4 of the great, simple hymn “I Will Praise Him.” Preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving, what more could inspire gratitude but lyrics as these:
Blessed be the Name of Jesus!
I'm so glad He took me in;
He's forgiven my transgressions,
He has cleansed my heart from sin.
I read those lyrics and I think, “Yes, I am very ‘glad’ he took me in. He did not owe me a thing and yet he cleansed me of all my sin!” I am very grateful for his work on the cross… cleansing us from all the stain of sin and its consequences. So, as I remember the measure of God’s great love for me, and his forgiveness, what should that inspire within me? Answer: praise and worship. It is fitting, then, the lyric of the chorus:
I will praise him, I will praise him,
Praise the Lamb for sinners slain!
Give him glory all ye people,
For his blood can wash away each stain!
On YouTube, I did a search for this hymn. I watched a traditional church service in which the director is singing with all his heart and, sadly, the camera pans the room to the faces of people that appear to be in a funeral. They are singing lyrics so wonderful and glorious… but it is clear that the reality of what they sing has not reached the heart. This Thanksgiving, I hope the reality of God reaches the heart such that you sing praises with a bright smile on your face and a countenance of joy over you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we do praise you for all that you have done for us. May we reflect, on our faces, the great joy of the grace of God!
