"The Weekly Word"

---

  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Psalm 150:6

          So how can everything that has breath give praise? How can the bees, the snakes, the ants, the mice, for that matter any creepy crawlies or annoying insects or rotten rodents praise God? Do I even want them to have breath! Well, we all know God has a purpose for everything that has breath, or guess what, they wouldn’t be here, they wouldn’t have breath!

          And yet, when you stop and think about it, it’s a lot to take a normal breath. I can’t remember the last time I took a breath with no complication: that is with no congestion, or stress when walking, or thought going through my head about someone else, or knowing there’s something I’m doing or need to do. However amazingly, my breathing happens despite my complications, without me thinking about it, my body just breathes. Even as I type this now, I’m feeling the air go in and out of my mouth and nose and I’ve never thought about it before, but I’m so blessed to have breath!

          Yet what do I do with my air? Does the air I’m given give me energy to do good or to complain? Does my breath give me more channels to work for change, or to just stay the same? Does my breath open new opportunities or ability, or simply maintain normality or reality? With each breath am I just existing, or living?

          Our verse says with my breath, I should praise God, every breath, every single moment should be giving praise to God. And not only my breath, but all creations. We’re invited to be one with those creepy crawlies, those annoying insects, those rotten rodents, the ants, the mice, the bees, and the snakes. The bottom line, we share the same air, God gives us the same opportunity for praise in whatever way we do it! Whether it’s making sound, being on the ground, or being in the air or in the water, God gave everything breath. It’s what do we do with that breath which really matters?

          SO, the next time you wonder, how can I praise God? Remember, at least you have an advantage over all the animals. You and I can speak praise, we’re given so much opportunity. And to whom much is given, much is required. God even said we have dominion over everything, so we are to do even more with our breaths, than all the other living creatures are to do with theirs.

          So go ahead, breathe, feel the air flowing in and out. And know you share the same air as all creatures of our God and king. So, lift up your voice, lift up your heart, and let everything within you and a part of you, praise God, after all, he’s the one who gave it, and eventually, he will take it! So, use it to honor and glorify him while you can!

To God be the glory

Pastor Brandon