“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord (Psalm 89:15).
Ever watch a movie scene in slow motion and notice details you missed when the action was normal speed? That same phenomenon applies when we slow down our reading to meditation-speed. Especially scripture. Latent truths begin to surface.
For example, let’s examine closely several phrases from the scripture above, to see what God would have us discover.
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,” the psalmist asserts. In other words, good things come to those who give enthusiastic approval to God. What causes you to acclaim God?
My list would include:
- a supportive, caring husband,
- three grown children and their spouses, who are delightful company
- a spunky four-year old granddaughter,
- rainbows and sunbeams, clouds and surf,
,
- the way God engineers circumstances,
- the way he comforts and strengthens.
If I put my mind to it, this list would surely grow very long.
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you.” Same clause; different emphasis. Giving enthusiastic approval to God–frequently throughout the day–is a learned behavior.
How do we learn this discipline? Certain cues would certainly help, much as ringing bells cued a certain reaction in Pavlov’s dogs. I can develop the habit of acclaiming God at particular times of day:
- during my quiet time in the morning,
- when driving,
- as I gaze out the window at clouds and sky while working at the kitchen sink,
- while completing other household tasks,
- as I drift off to sleep each night.
I want such moments to automatically trigger Praise Time. Practice will make perfect.
Psalm 89:15 also asserts that blessings will come when I walk in the light of God’s presence.
Think of being in the company of a dearly loved person, just sitting in cozy silence, simply enjoying the precious gift of being together. There’s no awkwardness in the absence of conversation, just a peaceful settledness.
That’s one aspect of walking in the light of God’s presence–to rest in the knowledge he is:
- Beside me, providing support and encouragement,
- Watching over me, providing protection,
- In me, providing strength and wisdom.
These provisions and more prove his presence. His invisibility and inaudibility make him no less close.
Heavenly Father, my heart bubbles with gratitude. I want to rejoice in you all day long, exclaiming over every one of your righteous acts. I want your majesty and splendor to be my focus; because you are the source and power behind everything good in my life (personal paraphrase of Psalm 89:16-17a).
What cues automatically trigger Praise Time in your life? I’d love to hear your ideas!
From the Inside Out 
Music….
Cindy, I am very sorry I didn’t pick up on your response to this post earlier. You are so right–music is a powerful cue for Praise Time. Even some secular music (Bach’s, Beethoven’s, Mozart’s, and other classical composers) sends my heart soaring. And, of course, as choir members, you and I both know the surge of adoration that wells up when dozens of voices proclaim the greatness of our God!
You know, I often get in my own way by focusing on things to worry about; things which are totally out of my control. The devil doesn’t want me to develop a steady ‘learned’ behavior of focusing on the many blessings that the Lord as bestowed upon me in my lifetime. This is wasted energy on my part and disobedience as well by not claiming God’s promise to protect and take care of my every need, by not completely putting my trust in Him. I can do this! And He WILL help me to rechannel my thinking in a more productive manner!
Cheri, I couldn’t agree with you more. Gratitude is so much more productive than worry, but it’s the latter that we gravitate toward. Rechanneling–that’s the ticket! I love your heart–the passion, resolve, and tenderness with which you are claiming God’s promises and placing your trust in His care. I’m tagging along right with you!