Be Thou Exalted

What does it mean to exalt someone?  Webster's Dictionary gives this definition of exalt:  "To elevate as in rank:  to praise:  To elate (to raise the spirit of) with joy."

Psalms 108:5  "Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens and Thy glory above the earth."

There is only one person who deserves to be exalted and that is Almighty God.  How much of our energy is actually put into doing this?  If we are honest, don't we spend much of our time and energy exalting those who don't deserve it?

So much of our culture is wrapped up with the adoration of Hollywood stars, music stars, sport stars, even famous political people and news makers.  But do they deserve to be elevated in rank over God?  Are their lives so pure and spotless that they deserve our praise?

Psalms 145:8 & 9  "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion:  slow to anger, and full of great mercy.  The LORD is good to all;  and His tender mercies are over all His works."

Do we have reason to praise the Lord?  Yes, definitely so!  When we praise the Lord, we are giving an offering to Him.  When we think of offerings we think mostly of monetary offerings, but there are many kinds of offerings.  We can offer our talents, time, money...and we can offer our praise.

Psalms 50:23  "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me."

Psalms 63:3  "Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee.

Psalms 71:14  "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise Thee more and more."

Who you praise shows the condition of your heart.  Those taken up with the world and its treasures will praise it.  Those whose minds are centered on the Lord will find that it is Him and His goodness that will fill their hearts and minds and find its way to their lips.  What we feed our minds will control our hearts.  Listen to what comes out of your mouth, it will be an indicator of the condition of your heart and soul.  Make sure you are exalting the proper person each day.

Psalms 46:10  "Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Be Thou exalted forever and ever

God of eternity, the Ancient of Days!

Wondrous in wisdom, majestic in glory,

Perfect in holiness, and worthy of praise.

 

Be Thou exalted, by seraphs and angels,

Be Thou exalted with harp and with song;

Saints in their anthems of rapture adore Thee,

Thine be the glory forever, Amen!

 

 

                    Fanny J. Crosby