Say So!

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness,

and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people,

and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

(Psalm 107:31-32)

These verses put forth the psalmist’s acknowledgment of God, His goodness and power, and His involvement in people’s lives. The psalmist urges people to praise and exalt God!

In order for people to want to praise God, they have to know Him. They have to have some personal experience of His goodness to them. And that comes with a relationship with Him. If you don’t know God, you won’t give Him credit—indeed, you won’t even understand it is He Who is working in your life and in all the world, as well. We can only know Him through His Word, the Bible. (Romans 10:17) Our own personal experience of putting faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is the beginning.

Those who know God understand His goodness. They see it all around them. He answers their prayers. He protects them, cares for them, helps them. They see His hand in history. They are joyful in His presence—when they are in the Word, praying, and praising.

When I was a teen, there was a popular song that went, “I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.” It was a joyful song, proud to be a Christian. The psalmist seems to have that same joyful outlook. He wants people to praise the Lord for His goodness, publicly, openly, excitedly . . . no holding back.

I think maybe we’ve lost that unabashed praise tradition. Today, we might feel like someone will label us kooks or (forbid the thought) fundamentalists. Even seasoned Christians might be shy to praise out loud the God Who has done so much for them.

I’m sorry about that. I know I need to be reminded to praise Him openly, without shame, without embarrassment, without fear. I need to think about all He has done for me, all He does for me, how He daily loads me with blessings. (Psalm 68:19)

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.

(Psalm 107:1-2a)