A call to praise
by Annie Duarte
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Sing to him a new song; play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts (Psalm 33:3).
Read Psalm 33:1–12
There are three main exhortations from our Scripture today, though I encourage you to read and reread and let the psalm energise your soul.
Sing to him a new song. Maybe you are a singer or songwriter, but maybe not! To me, this verse says, ‘Respond in a fresh way to his never-ending, never-ceasing blessing!’ God’s people had been worshipping him for a long time when the Psalms were written – they had many songs in their repertoire … yet the psalmist calls for a new song in response to God’s goodness. Because God is alive, active and present in our lives, his goodness and blessings show up in new ways constantly! We should respond with fresh gratitude and expression to his presence with us. This means we have to turn our attention to what God is up to presently … where he is moving, what he is blessing, and how he is providing for us and respond with due praise.
Play skilfully on the strings. I don’t play a stringed instrument … But I can offer the gifts I do have as skilfully as possible. If you teach, teach to God’s glory. Offer your best and finest gifting to the Lord. If you coach football, coach unto the Lord! Work for excellence in whatever you do – this is an act of worship. When we play, teach, nurse, and work skilfully, we celebrate the competency and talent the Lord has blessed us with. Can you imagine the joy in the Father’s eyes as you fulfil your God-given destiny and use the gifts he gave you? He is so proud of you.
With loud shouts – don’t be shy about it! The Psalms also say that the heavens declare or proclaim the glory of God. Should we who have lips not praise him even more? All of nature bears witness to God’s glory and goodness. It is the right and natural thing to join with all creation in giving him praise. When was the last time you were excited about worshipping and praising God?
God of Glory, you are worthy of all my praise. I could sing new songs to you every day, and there would still be more to sing. I want to offer you my best. I want the world to know you and your salvation. Guide me by your grace. Amen.
Annie Duarte is a wife, mum, worship leader and preschool Bible teacher. She and her husband serve in ministry together in the United States. Annie loves seeing God’s word come alive to people of all ages.
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