When their parents strove against God’s appointed leaders - Moses and Aaron, the sons of Korah chose to separate themselves from the devastating rebellion which resulted in the loss of their family’s lives. These men later came to author several psalms that appear in the bible today, one of which says, “Sing praises with understanding”. The sons of Korah knew what it meant to praise a living God, to watch an Almighty One hold the breath of mankind in His hands. Personal experience established the basis of their praise to God. Their praise was with understanding.

Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23,24) Worship, not with words that have no meaning or personal relevance, but a love and gratitude coming truly from the heart. We must come to intimately know the One in whom we have believed in. 

A lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving comes from one who has walked with God daily and talked with Him often in prayer. This praise is birthed from a place of understanding - watching answers to prayer roll in, provision and protection from His mighty hand, and deliverance from impossible situations come to pass. This adoration is birthed from the heart. A love and devotion that is near Him, not far away. 

Come away, Beloved, and learn of a love that fills the soul. Our mouths will be filled with good things, and our strength renewed like an eagle soaring on the wind. Our hearts will begin to sing again with praise!

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for Your invitation to praise with understanding. I confess there are many things about Your majesty that I do not understand. Help me to be diligent in using Your word of truth so that I can train myself to distinguish good from evil. Help me by Your word and Your Spirit to add to my faith, goodness, and then to my goodness, knowledge. Help me not to overestimate my knowledge or understanding, but to look at myself with sober judgment. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

In praising with understanding, we can praise in every season of the soul without being hypocritical. Sing or speak aloud your praise. Are you in awe of God? Sing of His attributes and His deeds. Are you happy? Sing songs of praise and celebration. Did you really mess up? Sing a song of repentance and ask for mercy. Are you sad or longing for a breakthrough? Sing a lament like Psalm 13 and put your hope in God. Are you in spiritual warfare? Lead with worship like the priests of old. Do you just want to spend time with God? Themes like those in Psalm 23 and Psalm 84 help us sit at the feet of Jesus. Or find the whole package in Psalm 34. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)