I had an interesting conversation with my 9-year-old grandson yesterday morning. He was asking how I could be sure God was the real God when there were thousands of God’s. He likes to argue.

The last Psalm, 150, which I read this last day of the year is full of praise for our exalted God.

I begins with the exclamation and command: Praise the LORD! When “Lord” is capitalized it is the Almighty God. Yahweh. It makes us have big thoughts about God – too often my God is too small. I need to think worthily of Him.

Then it says to praise Him in His sanctuary – that’s inside. Then to praise Him in His mighty expanse – that’s outside. So praise Him everywhere.

Then praise Him for His mighty deeds – what He has done for you. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Not just plain greatness, but excellent greatness. That’s who He is.

Praise Him with trumpets. Trumpets usually herald or announce. Tell of His greatness to all you meet in 2019. Praise Him with harp and lyre – that is usually comforting and soothing. He is our comforter.

Praise Him with dancing – praise Him bodily. I’m not good at that. I was raised a staid Presbyterian so that sort of thing is difficult for me. We never danced! It is not my usual display. That’s something I need to learn.

Praise Him with stringed instruments. The strings of any instrument are under enormous pressure. A typical piano has 10 tons of pressure on its strings. Praise His while you are under stress and pressure. Praise will put it all in perspective.

Praise Him with cymbals. Cymbals are usually for celebration! So praise Him in the joyful moments to the coming year…and repeat it.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”

May God bless you greatly in 2019!