Praise to Perform

Psalm 61:1–8

To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. 1Hear my cry, O God; Attend unto my prayer. 2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For thou hast been a shelter for me, And a strong tower from the enemy. 4I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. 5For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. 6Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: And his years as many generations. 7He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. 8So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, That I may daily perform my vows.

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There are so many beautiful ways in this Psalm in which David illustrates the care of his Lord. I could write on each one, but we don’t have all day now do we? One particular observation stood out this morning from the last verse.

Psalm 61:8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, That I may daily perform my vows.

The Psalmist said, “I will praise so that I can perform my vows.”

Praise enabled the Psalmist to perform and I think it is true with us. When I have a God focus, when I praise him, I work harder and more joyfully.

I can leave the praise out of my performance and my labor becomes obligation and even loses its effectiveness. When I recognize his greatness through praise no task is too big to attempt, and no small chore is too demeaning. So, let’s improve our performance, let’s praise!