Lip service to Jehovah is far easier than the genuine praise, adoration, and service that He rightly and constantly deserves. Calling Jesus “Lord, Lord” without obedience is like a foolish man who builds a house without a foundation (Luke 6:46-49).
Jehovah is a great King (Malachi 1:14); therefore, it ever behooves us to be reminded often that He deserves an elite quality of praise and adoration. In Psalm 9:1-2, David erupts in such unique and befitting praise of the Great I Am. Here, it is written: “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou Most High.”
These words encapsulate four specific characteristics of the unique praise befitting Jehovah.
First, praise befitting Jehovah is wholehearted. Halfhearted worship profanes His high and wondrous name; it besmirches His holiness; it is an abominable noise (Malachi 1:12-13).
Second, praise befitting Jehovah is specific. The God of the Bible is not a philosophical postulate, or a theological theory, or a distant deistic hypothesis. He is One who knows, sees, hears, loves, and acts. It was His creative fingers which ordained the heavens with its planets, stars, and galaxies. It is His hands of providence that works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Third, praise befitting Jehovah is heartwarming. Unlike the worship of a false god like Allah, which produces fear, hatred, ill-will, and terror, the praise of Jehovah creates gladness and joy (Psalm 122:1).
Fourth, praise befitting Jehovah is focused. The fundamental difference between holy worship and profane entertainment pretending to be worship is revealed in the arena of focus. Entertainment is focused upon human opinion and approval; worship’s focus is upon God and His glory. Jehovah’s name—“I Am”—reflects His holy character, His incredible glory, His unquestionable authority, His utter uniqueness, His incomprehensible nature. He is Most High.
Our worship and praise should seek to ambitiously rise to the level of the Most High. Anything less is beneath His dignity.
