Praising God in Public

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

Psalm 145:21 (NASB)

During a group session dedicated to biblical coaching, the facilitator asked everyone present to share the reason why they had decided to attend the meeting. Some said they wanted to grow in their faith; others expressed a desire to walk in holiness; still others felt they needed to return to God. The youngest member of the group remained silent. When invited to share his reason, he hesitated for a moment, then added: "After hearing everyone else's reasons, I feel like mine is too trivial." The facilitator replied: "A reason is only trivial if you judge it to be so."

After listening to the other group members, the facilitator turned back to the young man to hear his reason. Shy and somewhat embarrassed, he declared: "I would like to be able to praise God's name in public, exactly as I do when I am alone in my room." He added: "I manage it very well at home, but once I am in public, I am afraid to open my mouth." Of all the reasons shared that day, the facilitator felt that this one was the most pertinent. It is a reality: many Christians feel perfectly at ease worshipping God in the privacy of their homes, but once in public, they are afraid even to speak of Him.

The author of this psalm was not afraid to proclaim God's blessings or to offer Him his praise. He knew that, even if some attached no importance to God, the day would surely come when every knee would bow before His throne. We do not even deserve the privilege of praying to God—let alone that of praising Him; Therefore, when we contemplate the sacrifice of the Cross, we should feel honored and proud to offer our praises to the Lord. He is a holy God, overflowing with goodness. Do not be like that young man who fears to praise the name of God, for your praises will draw upon you the Lord's favor from His throne in the heavens.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.