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.

I recall reading of an astronaut who had been to the moon who, at one point, looked back on the earth. When he moved his thumb between his eye and the earth, our planet vanished from view—there was nothing but inky blackness. It was a somber moment for the astronaut as he was reminded how fragile our planet is.

Praise the LORD, all you nations!

This is the picture of the nations at their best. Not scheming military strategy, no sleight-of-hand political maneuvering, but rather praise. The nations in song, adoring the God of all creation for 2 things: (1) his great love toward us; and (2) his faithfulness that endures forever.

If I get quiet on these truths for a few moments, on his affection and his never-give-up loyalty, my breath settles and my chest begins to fill with the assurance that belongs to a well-loved child. Makes me want to whistle or hum or sing.

And “extol?” It means “praise enthusiastically.” Turn up the volume! Let’s put a little extol into this day.

Praying and extolling with you this day.

Andrew