Welcome to Easter Week Devotions!
Daily devotions to help get us ready for Resurrection Sunday. Our focus, from Palm Sunday, is the fact that our great God and Savior is worthy of our praise!
Today's praise focus is the Hebrew word "yadah" meaning to make a confession about God with your mouth. This is often accompanied by raising the hands in thanksgiving.
David said, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:2–3 (ESV)
Notice the "confession" he makes. He is declaring truths about God in relation to himself. These truths not only have their foundation in the word of God, (ex. Genesis 15:1 (ESV) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield”), but also came from David's experience with God; how the Lord showed Himself to be Davids protection in trouble and battle.
These confessions are not only declaring truth, they are words of praise and words of faith. As praise, they exalt God who is worthy to be recognized for His greatness in Himself and goodness to us.
As words of faith they remind us of who God is and the promises that He has made to us. When we speak them out loud and our own ears hear the truth, it causes us to focus on the infinite power, ability, and faithfulness of God in light of any struggles and trials we might be facing.
When we lift our hands to Him - something we are encouraged to do - ("Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD!" Psalm 134:2 (ESV)) - it is another one of those actions that help us to enter into that expression of praise more deeply. It's like a child who lifts their hands to a parent to get a need met or like people raising their hands at a concert or a ball game to express admiration for a person or a team. God is certainly our source and the center of our admiration. Remember, praise is a "whole person" (heart, soul, mind, and strength) experience and a way to personally connect with the Lord.
Take a few moments to make a confession to the Lord with your hands raised to Him. Express your own sentiments based in God's word or your personal experience, or simply make Davids words from Psalm 18 (above) your own. Declare these truths to the Lord, praise Him, and build your own faith as you do.
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