By Ainslee Zou, a junior molecular biology/biochemistry and music major from Bristol, Indiana
Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
Seasons of waiting can often be clouded by uncertainty, weariness and exhaustion. Whether it’s in relationships, careers or even personal faith, any period of time not filled with exciting growth and activity may feel extremely discouraging.
However, God’s gracious deeds and praiseworthy acts (Isaiah 63:7) give us hope in seasons of waiting. When Mary was expecting baby Jesus, she still glorified God’s promise in the hope of the coming Messiah. We are called to not only be patient in our wait, but to praise and worship God fully.
In Psalm 148, we are given prompts of praise from all of God’s creation. You and I are set amongst the sun and moon and stars. We praise God with all nature and creatures, one alongside the other. We are set with mountains, forests, kings and rulers, young and old, men and women, fire, hail, snow and frost. With these things, we take our place as God’s faithful people.
Our praise prepares us for a final and ultimate purpose: the promise of reclamation, restoration and redemption; the promise of Jesus. In our distress, no messenger or angel could save us, but only God’s presence alone. In all of our brokenness and sin, God promises that God will lift us up and carry us all the days of old (Isaiah 63:9).
Waiting can often feel like a heavy burden, but God gives us purpose while we wait. God assures us there is a promise of hope, healing and restoration on the other side of the wait, and for that, we praise.
Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
3Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
4Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
6He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
11Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12Young men and women alike, old and young together!
13Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
14He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!