Isaiah 37-39; Psalms 76: Our Praise Makes God Known

Isaiah 37:31

Amplified Bible (AMP)

³¹ And the remnant that has survived of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.

Psalm 76:1

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Psalm 76

To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A song.

¹ In Judah God is known and renowned; His name is highly praised and is great in Israel.

Judah, one of the tribes of Israel, whose name means celebration or praise, is called to make known the name of God.  God has spared the house of Judah from complete annihilation through Assyria, because He loves them.  Not only does God love Judah, but He has a planned destiny for Judah...to make His name known by their praise!!!

As far as I know, I am not of Jewish heritage, but what I do know is that ALL of His kids are called to praise Him, to make his name known in all the earth!

I have found that praising the Lord during difficult seasons provides the ultimate renown for our King!  People around us who know our struggles watch to see our reaction to that diagnosis, to unfair treatment, to oppression in all of its manifestations.

Our response either brings renown to our God or not!

I have succeeded in praising God during difficult seasons, but at times I have failed as well.  

God spared Judah and promised that "Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward." God has spared me and intends to grow my roots downward in order that I might bear fruit upward.  

It is His work, not my own that causes me to grow and bear!

Clinging to the Lord in difficulty, being aware of His Presence and constant influence on my life, by focusing on Him is how His power is released in order to accomplish growth and the bearing of fruit.  It is our heart's proximity to the One that causes us to have the ability to praise and make His name known in every circumstance, whether favorable or difficult.  

Father, I come to You, knowing that You have spared my life because You adore me and because I have a destiny of extravagant praise to offer You.  Empower me, by Your Spirit to keep my eyes fixed on You.  You have commanded me to "sit down and watch [You] stand on my behalf."  Teach me how to sit and rest again.  I am watching, Lord.  Empower me!!!  In the great name of Jesus, AMEN!!!