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Psalm 117
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

“Praise the Lord” begins and ends this short psalm of praise. In between these bookends is the call to worship the Lord. The invitation is to all nations and all peoples. Two reasons are given for this appeal: God’s great love and God’s enduring faithfulness.

God’s Great Love. God’s love is evident all around us. It is seen in the beautiful creation that provides all we need from oxygen to water to food. It is experienced through the people God places in our lives. The greatest act of God’s love is seen in the person of Jesus. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die as our substitute on the cross. C. S. Lewis well said, “Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”

God’s Enduring Faithfulness. God’s steadfastness never ceases. He never grows tired of loving us. He never forgets to send daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). He gives us the nourishment we need—physically and spiritually. From Him comes meaningful encouragement.

Take time today to praise the Lord. Regardless of your circumstances, Jesus is the reason to spend time in prayerful thanksgiving. Bookend your day with “Praise the Lord.”

Father today I praise You for… (Tell God the things in your life that you praise Him for doing and providing). In Jesus’ name. Amen.