Should we praise the Lord?

Definition and Purpose of Praise

Praise, in its most fundamental sense, is the act of expressing approval or admiration. Within the context of Scripture, praise is directed toward the Lord as a recognition of His character, deeds, and sovereignty. In Psalm 96:4, it is written, “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” This points to praise as a response befitting the One who possesses ultimate authority and is the source of creation, redemption, and ongoing sustenance of the universe.

Biblical Foundations for Praising the Lord

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture consistently calls believers toward praise. The invitation is found in examples like Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!” Such passages affirm the universality of praise—everyone and everything is invited to join in. The underlying conviction is that all life and existence originate from God, so praise springs naturally from beings who owe their breath and being to Him (Genesis 2:7).

Old Testament Encouragement to Praise

In the Old Testament, praise is a central component of Israel’s worship, both corporately in the tabernacle and temple and privately in individual devotion. David’s psalms overflow with calls to exalt the name of the Lord: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name” (Psalm 103:1). Archaeological finds—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Qumran, which preserve almost all books of the Hebrew Bible—support the authenticity of these texts, showing that these ancient injunctions to praise have remained remarkably consistent over millennia.

Beyond the psalms, historical accounts like 1 Chronicles 16:29 encourage Israel to “ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” Ancient cities excavated across the Levant, including Hazor and Megiddo, reveal the cultural and religious milieu in which these songs of praise were composed and performed, supporting the notion of a historical people deeply devoted to worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

New Testament Instruction on Praise

The New Testament continues this pattern, shifting the focus toward praise for the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. Naturally, believers in Christ praise God for salvation through His Son. Ephesians 5:19–20 instructs believers to speak to one another “with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” This pattern shows that praise is both corporate and personal. Early Christian manuscripts, such as numerous papyrus fragments from the first and second centuries, corroborate that praise formed a bedrock of the faith shared by tiny congregations scattered throughout the Roman Empire.

Scriptural Assurance of God’s Worthiness

Throughout Scripture, God’s worthiness is evidenced in acts of deliverance, provision, and revealed truth. In Psalm 145:3, the psalmist exclaims, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness is unsearchable.” The continuity of the manuscripts—examined in detail by textual critics—demonstrates that believers have always affirmed the unchanging truth of God’s worthiness. The ancient witness underscores that the people of God consistently recognized Him as the self-existent Creator of all things.

Evidence for God’s Existence: Strengthening Our Resolve to Praise

Many point to signs of design in nature as an added reminder that praise is reasonable. The observable complexity within cells and the Cambrian fossil record highlight an explosion of life forms that hint at intelligent orchestration. While scientific interpretations vary, those who see the hand of design find themselves aligned with passages such as Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…” This recognition bolsters our response of praise.

Further, archaeological finds like the Tel Dan Stele (which references the “House of David”) or the discovery of Hezekiah’s tunnel align with biblical claims of real people, places, and events. Such historical and scientific intersections serve to reinforce the reliability of Scripture’s narrative and encourage readers to admire the sustaining power and wisdom of the One behind it. God’s creative acts, from a perspective that places creation within a shorter timeline, still inspire reverent awe for His design and underpin our conviction that He is supremely worthy of adoration.

The Resurrection of Christ: The Apex of Praise

The culminating reason for praise—across all Scriptures—is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb, reported in all four Gospels, is central to humanity’s hope. Paul asserts, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Ancient sources, oral creeds preserved from the earliest church, and investigations by scholars add layers of historical credibility to the resurrection claim. This historical bedrock powerfully magnifies the call to extol the Lord.

Practical Ways to Praise

Scripture models several forms:

• Singing: “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy” (Psalm 33:3).

• Prayer and Thanksgiving: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

• Testimony: Sharing personal stories (as in Psalm 107:2) of God’s intervention fosters communal praise.

• Acts of Service: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Summary and Encouragement

The scriptural call to praise the Lord is universal, extending to all people across all ages. From the earliest records of Genesis, through the poetic exhortations of the psalms, into the records of the Gospels, and on to the letters of the apostles, the unbroken message remains that God is worthy of honor. Praising God does not rest solely on personal feeling but on the consistent testimony of Scripture, the reliability of its manuscripts, archaeological corroborations, scientific considerations of design, and—most decisively—the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

The faithful witness of those who have gone before, alongside modern findings that continue to affirm the reasonableness of the biblical account, encourages every generation to exclaim: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” (Revelation 19:6). Therefore, in every station of life, the answer is yes—believers are not only invited but commanded to praise the Lord.