Praise the Lord

The term "Praise the Lord" is no stranger to many people, even in the community of non-believers. Even some of them understand the phrase quite well than some Christians at times. The phrase has in fact been used so often that it has become like a cliche, even used as gap fillers within the conversations between Christians.

Indeed why do we say what we say when it comes to this term? The Hebrew equivalent "Hallelujah" does not lose out as well, except that it is less frequently used as the English phrase, likely because of the more "holy-sounding" it is. Interesting thought.

Let us take time to reflect on the true meaning of the phrase together with the psalmist.

"Hallelujah!
My soul, praise the LORD.

I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live.

Do not trust in nobles,
in man, who cannot save.

When his breath leaves him,
he returns to the ground;
on that day his plans die.

Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea and everything in them.
He remains faithful forever,

executing justice for the exploited
and giving food to the hungry.
The LORD frees prisoners.

The LORD opens [the eyes of] the blind.
The LORD raises up those who are oppressed.
The LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD protects foreigners
and helps the fatherless and the widow,
but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever;
Zion, your God [reigns] for all generations.
Hallelujah!"
~Psalm 146 (HCSB)

We "Praise the Lord" because:
He holds and gives salvation
He is worthy of our trust
He is our Hope
He is the Creator God
He sustains all things
He is faithful
He is just
He is compassionate
He redeems us from sin
He illuminates our minds
He uplifts the oppressed
He honors the righteous
He protects us from harm
He embraces the weak and the needy
He upholds justice and judgment
He reigns for all eternity