At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to Be the Change as Jesus has changed us. But how do we actually live that out, especially in a world full of ups and downs? The answer is found in the rhythm of the Psalms—a rhythm that begins and ends with praise.
Pastor Jim recently pointed out something profound: “It’s interesting that Psalm 150 doesn’t end like many of the Psalms. It doesn’t end with a request, it doesn’t end with a problem, it doesn’t even end with the lament. It ends with praise.”
The Bookends of Praise
If you read through all 150 Psalms, you’ll encounter every emotion possible—wonder, despair, victory, failure, fear, faith, and joy. David cries out, “God is my refuge and my deliverer,” while others pour out their hearts in nights of sorrow. Yet, the first and last words of the Psalms are anchored in praise.
This is no accident. The Psalms teach us that, whatever happens in between, our lives should begin and end with praise. As Pastor Jim put it, “Everything in between should be at least filled with praise.” After all the highs and lows of God’s people, the book closes with this resounding declaration:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6, NIV)
Why Praise Matters
Praise is not just a response to our best days. It’s the foundation for our faith and the fuel for our perseverance. Life brings both joy and sorrow, victory and failure, but praise keeps our hearts tethered to God’s goodness and faithfulness.
When we praise, we’re reminded that God is bigger than our circumstances. He is the same God in our valleys and on our mountaintops. The Psalms show us that we can bring every emotion to God, but we’re ultimately called to return to praise—because He is always worthy.
Study: To Love and Know God
At Lakeview Christian Church, our “Just 3” discipleship journey starts with Study. We learn to praise by learning who God is. The more we study His word, the more reasons we find to give Him thanks.
“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” (Psalm 57:9, NIV)
Studying Scripture anchors our praise, reminding us of God’s promises in every season.
Reflection:
How can you deepen your understanding of God’s character so that your praise becomes more authentic and resilient?
Share: To Know and Love Others
Praise isn’t just vertical—it’s also horizontal. The Psalms were Israel’s shared songbook, meant to be sung in community. Our “Just 3” path invites us to Share:
- Share your gratitude with others.
- Share your story of how God has been faithful.
- Encourage someone who is in the midst of their own “Psalm of lament.”
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (1 Chronicles 16:23, NIV)
Reflection:
Who can you reach out to today with a word of praise or encouragement?
Serve: Love in Action
Real praise is active, not passive. The last step in “Just 3” is Serve. Let your gratitude move you to action. Serve in your home, your church, your community—not just as a duty, but as an act of worship.
Romans 12:1 (NIV) calls us to offer our bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Every act of service, every moment given to others, is a way of praising God with your life.
Reflection:
What is one practical way you can serve this week, letting your actions become a song of praise?
Living Between the Bookends
Our lives are like the Psalms—filled with a wide range of experiences. But when praise is the bookend, everything in between finds its meaning in God. At Lakeview Christian Church, we invite you to join us in this journey:
- Start your day with praise.
- End your day with gratitude.
- Fill the space in between with study, sharing, and serving.
Let every breath declare: “Praise the Lord!”
Prayer:
Lord, may our lives begin and end with praise. Help us to see Your goodness in every season and to fill every moment with worship. Teach us to study, share, and serve as acts of praise, so that everything that has breath may praise You. Amen.
