S) "33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God [ai]while I have my being."
Psalm 104:33 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is a strong declaration of praise to the Lord about His creation of the world and the things in it, but this verse really grabbed me. The footnote I left in this verse, says that literally it says, "while I still am." I think that is a powerful definition It gives the verse a much more eternal tone, I think. It is to say, "As long as I can call myself 'I' then I will praise the Lord. As long as I am, I will praise Him." It alludes to the same eternal, present, existent, infinitive nature of God, when He calls Himself, "I AM" and says, "My eternal, present, existent, infinitive posture will be praise toward the Lord." The psalmist is presenting the concept that his praise will not be held back, it will not end.
A) Most people would consider me a "natural worshiper" (although, in truth, we are all naturally sinful and worshipers of self, money, celebrity, etc). However, generally speaking, I have an easy time freely worshiping in any given worship service. I truly consider it a blessing, since I know some people have to fight for focus, humility, sincerity, etc. Having said all of that, it is much harder to worship in some other settings, under some other circumstances. When I was set to move back home, to Bothell, I was worshiping to Kristene Mueller's "Praise The Lord" (I also wrote about it on 08/21/2011, and that entry had a link to the song). I remember praying to God, the lyrics, "Nothing's gonna take Your praise out of my mouth, as long as I shall live." an I remember Him warning that when I moved to Washington, I would have a harder time openly worshiping. I determine then, that this would be my resolve. As long as I am, I will worship Him. There is only one criterium, only one box to check, only one circumstance. I am, therefore I worship.
P) Father, thank You for giving me a spirit of worship. It is my joy to worship You. Strengthen my resolve, to be expressive with my worship, under any circumstance, even in the face of severe persecution. I want to be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, willing to worship, even facing certain death for it. I am, therefore I worship You, LORD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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