Praising God in the Throng

Psalm 109:30

With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.

Luke 2:38

Anna came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

It’s one thing to gather in worship with fellow believers to sing God’s praises. Easter Sunday brings out the strong voices and confident praises. The larger the church, the stronger the songs will likely be. But when the throng gathers for reasons other than to praise God, the call to praise him is a bit more challenging. In the rush of everyday life, or the throes of wayward pursuits, praise seems so out of place.

Tell that to the Psalmist. Explain that to Anna. Make that argument with God. For, even though those may be challenging times, it is never out of place to give praise to God. The nature of our praise may vary from one moment to another, but the reality of God’s glory, goodness, love, grace, truth, holiness, mercy, forgiveness and salvation is the constant to which we must pay attention.

When a loved-one dies, our praises will be different than when a child is born, but God’s nature is no different. He is worthy of praise. When we are in the midst of the throng, and there is no apparent desire for his glory, it is good to praise God. Even when people are seeking godless ends God deserves to be praised.

That was the attitude of the Apple of His Eye director Steve Cohen attended a recent Gay Pride march in Austin, Texas. The full report of his experience, along with the handout he offered at the event is available by in the link below. While his actions would be considered by many to be rather extraordinary, the tenor of his communication is gracious, and seeks to honor God.

The Child has been born. Salvation has come. Jesus reigns on high in truth and grace. May we sing his praises…even in the midst of the throng!

Apple of His Eye Report & Handout: http://files.ctctcdn.com/72708238001/6a350991-6152-4bdb-bd64-52239438eceb.pdf