Journal entry July 22, 2026

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. Psalm 147:1

This morning as I read this psalm I was thinking to myself why is it good to "sing" praises to our God? And why is praise considered beautiful?

I've come to appreciate the word "beautiful" and have expanded its definition in my mind over the years. It's easy to look at a sunset, a blooming flower, or a mountain landscape and admire the beauty of it.

When God describes a beautiful woman, He describes her character. That which is within that the naked eye cannot see. Something pleasant and lovely.

The act of praising God is described as pleasant and lovely, indicating that it is not only a duty but also a delight. This reflects the idea that worship is a source of joy and beauty, aligning with the biblical theme that true worship is a heartfelt response to God's character and deeds. The pleasantness of praise can be seen in the psalms' poetic nature, which often uses imagery and metaphor to convey the beauty of God's creation and His works.

When I think of the act of singing I'm drawn towards all that is entailed with singing. Singing praise to God is beautiful because it engages our whole body, mind, and spirit. It moves us past simple spoken words into a deep emotional response, shifts our focus from daily struggles, to our Creator, and unites people together in shared adoration.

I think of where so many of our spiritual songs come from. From the cotton fields where slaves seeming transported themselves above their dire circumstances with singing. While their hands were being forcefully made to pick cotton, their bodies, minds, and spirits engaged in song and lifted them above the reach of their slave masters. It lifted them before their Creator, their God, who was the Author and Finisher of their salvation.

I love the idea that worship can't be forced upon anyone. True worship is simply a heartfelt response to God's character and deeds. So when my worship is lacking I have to ask myself what is clouding my view of God. It is interesting that it isn't usually trials and tribulations that block my view, but quite the opposite. When water is spilling into my boat threatening to sink it, I have a pretty clear view of God, but when the sea is calm, the tendency is to grab a fish pole and divert my attention to other things.

Heavenly Father thank you for the thoughts this verse generates today. Causing us to pause and think about our worship, our singing, and whats behind it. Help us today to have a clear view of Your character regardless of what this day may throw at us. I think of Corey Ten Boom standing at attention one cold frigid morning in that concentration camp and her hope was running low. You sent a simple songbird that swooped down over the women that diverted their attention above and reminded them that You saw them and were with them. Thank you for those reminders. I pray You would send one today to those who need it most. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN.