Topical Bible: Praise: should be offered with Joy

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Praise, as an expression of reverence and adoration towards God, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is not merely a ritualistic act but a heartfelt response to the majesty, goodness, and faithfulness of the Lord. Scripture consistently emphasizes that praise should be offered with joy, reflecting the believer's gratitude and delight in God's presence and works.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations that highlight the importance of joyful praise. In the Psalms, which serve as a rich repository of worship and praise, joy is frequently associated with the act of praising God. Psalm 100:1-2 declares, "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs." This passage underscores the call for all creation to engage in joyful worship, emphasizing that praise is not complete without the element of joy.

Similarly, Psalm 95:1-2 invites believers to, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song." Here, the psalmist links joy with thanksgiving, suggesting that a heart filled with gratitude naturally overflows with joyful praise.

Joy in the New Testament

The New Testament continues this theme, illustrating that joy is an integral part of the Christian life and worship. In Philippians 4:4 , the Apostle Paul exhorts the church, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command to rejoice is not limited to favorable circumstances but is a continual state of joy rooted in the believer's relationship with Christ.

Furthermore, in Ephesians 5:19-20 , Paul encourages believers to, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage highlights the communal aspect of joyful praise, where believers are encouraged to uplift one another through joyful expressions of worship.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, joyful praise is a reflection of the believer's understanding of God's character and deeds. Joy in praise arises from recognizing God's sovereignty, love, and salvation. It is an acknowledgment of His past faithfulness, present provision, and future promises. Joyful praise is not dependent on external circumstances but is a response to the internal reality of God's unchanging nature.

The joy that accompanies praise is also a testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Galatians 5:22 lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life surrendered to God. As believers grow in their faith, their capacity for joyful praise increases, reflecting a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace.

Practical Application

In practical terms, offering praise with joy involves cultivating a heart of gratitude and a focus on God's goodness. It requires believers to intentionally set aside distractions and burdens, choosing instead to dwell on the reasons for joy found in God's presence and promises. Joyful praise can be expressed through singing, prayer, and acts of service, all of which are avenues to glorify God and edify the community of faith.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that praise should be offered with joy, as it is a natural and fitting response to the greatness and goodness of God. Joyful praise not only honors God but also enriches the believer's spiritual life, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator and with fellow believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for ... Ought we not to hold
a praise meeting every week ... Should not the prayer meeting be more than ever ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... years building a magnificent temple in praise of Your name ... He offered a thousand
victims in Your honor and ... giving Godhead no unbecoming thought should arise and ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm

The Tenth Chapter: to Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet
... not seem much to me; instead it should appear great ... are worthy of all service, all
honor, and everlasting praise. ... in which the highest good is offered and joy ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the tenth chapter to despise.htm

"And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son ...
... to thy soul as if thou hadst offered it thyself ... and communicated to us by it, that
we should be kings ... God continually the sacrifice of prayer and praise (1 Pet. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii and truly our.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... His own prayers had not been offered without thanksgiving ... on the other hand we should
never appear ... the fat of our sacrifices, offering praise and glorifying God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Epistle Lxii. C??cilius, on the Sacrament of the Cup of the Lord.
... whom I have purchased, that they might show forth my praise." [2676] There ... followed,
who have thought in time past that water alone should be offered in the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxii caecilius on the.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... the rule, burnt offering was only to be offered there. ... made perfect count it their
life-long joy, and even ... above all, disclaim a share of praise, should be set ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Chapter i.
... cannot see the heart, may also praise things that ... man would not speak absurdly who
should say, In ... they had advanced Godward, when they offered that willingly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter i 2.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... meekly admonish the women, that they should bewail themselves ... Hail, sweet Jesus;
praise, honour, and glory be to ... wine, mingled with gall, was offered Thee to ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received
... And except Thou hadst commanded, who should attempt to ... building his magnificent temple
to the praise of Thy Name ... the feast of its dedication, offered a thousand ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i with how great.htm