My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 108:1-4

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Years ago, I took a trip with my family to Michigan. The friends we were staying with took us on a hike to the top of a hill to show us the view over Lake Michigan. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Afterward, it was all I could talk about. When someone would ask me something as simple as “What’s up?” or “How are you?” I had to take the opportunity to talk about my experience back in Michigan. 

Last summer, I visited Redwood National and State Parks for the first time, where I saw the tallest trees in the world. What an experience! Just like my experience in Michigan, anyone who asked me what I had been up to lately got to hear all about my Redwood experience. 

When we discover or experience something wonderful or amazing, no one has to force us to talk about it. We can’t help but sing the praises of our experiences. Whether it’s a good book, a great movie, delicious food—you name it—we’re all constantly singing praises about something that has moved us.

David is worshipping with all his soul because of his experiences with God. David had experienced God in so many ways—a protector, provider, a champion—and he had to talk about it. Look at today’s passage and notice the discipline in his words. He said, “I will.” It seems to me like David understood that worship is a choice, and he is insistent on making sure he talks about the only One who is truly amazing, wonderful, and beautiful. 

David compels us to ask ourselves: How often do I worship with “all my soul” rather than going through the motions? David also shows us it is easier to do so when we focus on God’s love and faithfulness.

We were made to worship—we were made to praise as God’s creation. 

Next Steps

Luke 19:40 talks about how even the rocks will cry out. What praises are you singing? It’s not always about actually singing. What takes up a ton of space in your mind and in your life? Are you making sure you’re acknowledging God as much as you are with anything else? Try talking about God like you would a great movie.