Outline

Praise: Journey to gratitude, embracing grace
1. People want a king. The need for a ruler, so that we know someone is in control.
2. In and out of the briar patch, getting unstuck from that which keeps us from keeping a focus on God.
I. David reflects back with us the journey to heaven’s height, celebrating that which is over and above us since the beginning.
A. David show us how we gain victory over giants.
B. We are offered opportunity in the various heavenly manifestation shared to consider how God makes us victorious, the main focus leading to Christ on the cross.
II. David reflects back with us on the journey of arising from earthly depths.
A. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we need fear no evil.
B. We are offered opportunity to look beyond issues like shames to discover how God can make us into people who can rise up as from the dead to do God’s will.
III. David reflects back to us our journey as people to embrace God and all that God has created.
A. We discover God’s rule in valuing God’s Word
B. We discover God’s rule in valuing God’s creation
C. We discover God’s rule in valuing others
Conclusion:
1. Praise is the greatest medicine/antidote to dealing with a world that is never satisfied with the fact that we are good enough. We are reminded of Christ dying for us the ultimate celebration of this psalm.
2. Praise is a key that can unlock the many doors out there that threaten to get us stuck. We are reminded in the event of the resurrection that even the stones cry out if refuse to praise.
3. As we ready for a fourth of July celebration, fireworks speak to us about praise that is felt, heard, seen and experienced so that with Paul we look forward that every knee shall bow and tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.