Psalm 148 is a thorough source of guidance for anyone who ever wonders why, when, where, or how to praise God. Whether down in the pit or up in heaven, everyone is to join all creation in celebrating the One who created all.

The psalmist describes how praises manifest in diverse forms. Through their mere presence to all, the sun, moon, shining stars, highest heavens, and waters above the heavens praise! In their established roles in the universe, sea monsters, fire, hail, snow, frost, stormy wind, mountains, hills, fruit trees, and cedars all praise! Regardless of human status, age, or gender, ALL are to praise God.

Although we all are created and commanded to exalt the Lord with our lives, voices, and actions, we have times when we struggle to bless and accept blessing. What then are we to do? The last verse in our reading suggests that we should listen for the sound of the horn that the Lord has raised. God is calling the beloved to recognize and then do something about our own lackluster connections with the Divine! God is calling us to release what is meaningless or dead and to make room in our lives for what is eternal and alive.

What, then, is eternal and alive? Love! In the end, we praise God not because God needs to receive praise but because we need to give it in response to God’s love for us. We need to love because God-like love for God’s people brings us closest to the abundant living God desires for us.

So then, if our praise of God is our recognition of God’s sovereignty, then our praise is really thankfulness for God’s eternal faithfulness and love. Praising God is loving God; loving God is obeying God’s command to love all God’s creation.