Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is His steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 117:1-2

To praise God is to declare His goodness, to say good things about Him. We don’t have to make anything up: if we just state the facts about Him we will be praising Him.

The word translated “extol” here literally means “to get loud, to shout.” We’ve got something to get loud about!

We get loud and praise God for two reasons: first, because of His steadfast love, because even though we don’t deserve it or earn it, He just keeps on loving me, forgiving me and patiently calling me back to Himself; and second, because of His faithfulness. He always keeps His Word; His promises are sure. God is faithful.

No matter what things look like, no matter where people think history is going, God’s Word will come true, His promises will be kept, and He will keep His steadfastly loving hand on you and me through it all.

Thank You, Lord, that Your steadfast love never ceases, never fails, even when I do. Thank You for fulfilling Your Word, for keeping Your promises. I have no need to fear, because I know that You will fulfill Your loving purpose in my life. Amen!

Pastor Dan Giles