This morning I was reading Psalm 99. This group of psalms in the middle of the book is full of praise. Almost every one opens with “make a joyful noise,” “sing unto the Lord,” “bless the Lord,” or “the Lord reigns.” These forms of praise are found throughout the Psalms, but here in the 90s, they are increased.
Psalm 99 is no different. It opens with, “The Lord reigns, let the people tremble,” and moves through to praise and joy, giving complete exultation to the God who reigns, the God who is great and terrible, the holy God who speaks from the cloudy pillar. He is faithful to His Word, and He keeps His covenants. Then in verse eight, it says, “thou wast a God that forgavest them.” He forgave them! What a promise. What an outstanding quality of an awesome, terrible God to forgive those who go against Him.
He doesn't have to; He chooses to. He sought us, redeemed us, and bought us back to Himself. We are His creation, the apple of His eye. When we consider His greatness and His loving kindness and mercy that bring Him to forgiveness toward us, surely praise is the only thing that can come from our lips: praise from a humble heart of thankfulness for a God who forgives.
It's a very short thought today - the God who forgives. I want to leave you to ponder all He has forgiven you and see if praise isn't what rings from your heart and into the world around you. A God Who Forgives! Make sure those around you know!
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