A Name Worthy of My Praise

Devotional Text: Psalms 113:1-9

Summarizing Thoughts:
Those who serve the Lord should whole-heartedly, and without coercion, give Him praise. Not only praise Him, but His Name - that awesome name of Jesus. It is so important to know, recognize and proclaim His name. Only then can we offer true praise.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ASV). When I call upon him in prayer I do acknowledge that He has been so WONDERFUL to me; He remains a true COUNSELLOR in my time of confusion and lack of direction; He proves time and time again that He is a MIGHTY GOD and that no one compares to Him; He is my EVERLASTING FATHER and I can go to Him and speak to Him because of this close relationship we share; and He effectively speaks peace to me and/or my situation because He is the PRINCE OF PEACE with authority over any situation.

I call Him so many things because He has been so many things to me! But how wonderful it is to know His name! Those in the Old Testament did not know His name because it was not revealed. He was widely known as the I AM. It wasn't until His miraculous birth that His true name was revealed. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call His name JESUS; for it is He that shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 ASV). And, of course, it is good to be reminded "that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth (Philippians 2:10 ASV)." However, I don't want to be one of those who, at the end of time, is forced to acknowledge and praise Jesus, but I want to do it now, willingly and with gratefulness.

Once I have acknowledged the Lord's name as Jesus, I can pick up with the writings of the Psalmist and proclaim, "Praise the name of the Lord!" I can give thanks with my whole heart to the name Jesus my whole life, no matter where I am or the time of day. What a revelation to know that the Lord our God is Jesus and that His glory cannot be measured. He sits high above everything, even heaven and earth, but this does not prevent Him from noticing me or any poor person who needs a helping hand. He willingly bends down to pick us up. He can take a lowly person stuck in the filth and refuse of life and place him or her with people of influence and power. What a life changing experience! Verse 9 is even more amazing! He can take a woman who is unable to have children and perform a miracle of healing and showcase His power of creation by allowing her to experience the joys of motherhood!

Yes, praise His wonderful name! That wonderful name of Jesus!

Personal Application: I must be a servant of the Lord. The servant must know the Master's name and the power and authority that name holds. It must be my personal desire to praise him with a thankful heart no matter how I feel, what situation I find myself in, or what others may think or say about Him. I must read His Word daily to know the power and authority he has and displays when others proclaim His name. I cannot be persuaded or discouraged because others do not want to acknowledge His name or attempt to prevent me from using it. When I pray, I pray to Jesus. When I bless something, it is in the name of Jesus. When I rebuke something, it is in the name of Jesus. When I ask for something, it is in the name of Jesus. "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17 ASV)."

Prayer Focus:
Open my understanding of the power of the name of Jesus
Remove any doubts I may have about the authority granted to the name Jesus
Greater love for the Lord
Desire to serve the Lord with all my heart
Patience as I learn and grow while reading the Bible
Willingness to accept and act upon what I read in God's Word
Approach God with an attitude and lifestyle of praise
A heart that is humble
Ability to recognize all the areas in which God helps me