The Glory Due His Name - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 19

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The Glory Due His Name
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” - Psalm 29:2-4 (NIV)

In today’s culture, we are surrounded by so much that is man-made, artificial, and superficial that it can be easy to overlook the glory of God. It is sad to say, but unfortunately, it is the truth. Especially in “wealthier” nations or more developed areas of the world. We rarely lack food to eat, have more entertainment at our fingertips than we know what to do with, and spend countless hours consuming content that promotes the “here-and-now” far more than the divine eternity awaiting us on the other side of mortality. 

Even further, our vision is so low (literally, as most of us spend our days staring at phones or screens) that we fail to look up and out at the splendor of creation all around us. God spoke our universe into existence with His very words. Every atom, seed, and beating heart bears the fingerprints of our Living God, and yet we fail to recognize the majestic as we have belittled it as common. It is so familiar to us that it yields little to no attention. But the clamor of the latest trends, videos, or news articles will prompt us to view, like, subscribe, and share in an instant.  These behaviors are not just the mannerisms of secular culture. They are the norm for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Yet, as believers, we are called to intentionally turn our eyes away from worthless things (Psalm 119:37). We are exhorted to remind ourselves of all He has done for us. He formed us each individually in our mother’s wombs (Psalm 139:13). He meets ALL of our needs (Philippians 4:9, Matthew 6:25-34). And, He sent his only Son to pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father (John 3:16). In response to His endless love, mercy, and grace, we should wake in the morning with praise upon our lips (Psalm 34:1). We should declare His deeds among the people, for He has done marvelous things (Isaiah 12:4-5). We should be shouting, and dancing, and celebrating God’s goodness and presence in our lives, yet our vision has become dulled, and we are lulled to sleep by the “security” of this world. 

Our memories are short, just like those of the Israelites of old when they wandered in the desert. Though God had performed the most incredible miracles before their very eyes (the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven to satisfy their hunger, and water bursting forth from a rock to satiate their thirst). However, they struggled to recall these divine interventions as they continually fixated on their fleshly desires. And we succumb to the same, repetitious temptations. But just like the Israelites and countless other biblical characters who knowingly, or unknowingly, lost sight of the majestic works of our God, we have a choice. We can choose to open our hearts and eyes to the evidence of the Creator all around us. We can choose to recognize all of the individual blessings God has bestowed upon us. And we can rejoice over the ultimate gift of salvation that redeemed our very souls. 

In light of such wondrous deeds, how could we hold back our praise?  Will you join me today in ascribing to Him the glory due His name? May we stand out as voices in the muffled silence, as light in the darkness, to a world desperately in need of authentic and enduring hope. He truly is worthy! 

“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness…
All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you.” - Psalm 145:3-10 (NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How often do you find yourself ascribing to the Lord the glory He is due? Do you recognize and celebrate His creation? Are you thankful for the blessings He has provided in your life? Or are you easily distracted by the things of this world? 

There is no judgment for those who struggle with the daily practice of worship. As shared earlier, all of us, including me, can easily fall into seasons of apathy when it comes to our faith. But may I encourage you today to choose another way? Pick one practice through which you can prioritize worship as part of your daily routine. Maybe you thank God for a new day before your feet hit the floor. Or you commit to reading a praise scripture each day for the sole purpose of glorifying our God. Whatever you choose, be intentional about it. Don’t give yourself an excuse. Together, let us praise the Lord, each and every day!

Further Reading:
Psalm 29
Psalm 145

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Arkira

Megan J. Conner is an author, editor, speaker, avid consumer of literature, writing consultant, and overall lover of all things creative!  She is passionate about the written word and compelling storytelling. Whether that is through imaginative and whimsical children’s literature or faith-based works that allow readers to be immersed in narratives of authentic faith shared through the lives of imperfect people, Megan hopes to remind audiences of the beauty and power of shared stories.

To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter.  If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher

How can God be all-present (omnipresent) and yet be located in the temple and indwell believers? How can God know everything (omniscient) if He doesn't know what it is like to sin? How can God be a necessary Being if it is logically possible He doesn't exist? These are just a few of the tough, philosophical questions Sean McDowell discusses with William Lane Craig.