A Crescendo of Praise
TRANSLATION
(14) But as for me, I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. (15) My mouth will tell of your righteousness and of your saving works all the day though I do not know their number. (16) I will come (praising) the mighty exploits of the Lord Yahweh. I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. (17) God, you have taught me from my youth, and even now I still declare your wondrous deeds. (18) So, even when (I am) old and gray headed, God, do not forsake me until I declare your strength to the next generation, your power to all who are to come.
OBSERVATIONS
This segment was filled with words for proclamation: “praise” (vs. 14), “my mouth will tell” (vs. 15), “I will come praising...proclaim” (lit. “cause to remember” vs. 16), and the verb for “declare” occurring twice (vss. 17 & 18). The psalmist was intent upon testifying to God’s “righteousness” mentioned twice (vss. 15 & 16), his “saving works” (vs. 15), his “mighty exploits” (vs. 16), his “wondrous deeds” (vs. 17), and his “strength” and “power” (vs. 18).
OUTLINE
I. The psalmist established the theme of a crescendo of praise to God. (14)
II. The psalmist offered praise to God for his person and works. (15 & 16)
III. The psalmist determined to offer praise throughout his life. (17 & 18)
IDEA STATEMENT
For his righteousness and mighty works, God is worthy of a crescendo of praise.
APPLICATION
The word, “crescendo,” is normally found in a musical context. It comes from the Italian verb, “crescere,” which means “to grow.” When musicians see the abbreviation, “cresc.” or the symbol, < , in a score, they know that it calls for a gradual increase in volume. In tonal music, crescendos are normally followed by decrescendos. Like ocean tides which swell and ebb, the music constantly increases and decreases in volume to provide variety in expression. However, in the believer’s life, when it comes to praise, the norms of musical composition do not necessarily apply. According to this segment of the psalm, our lives are to be characterized by a constant crescendo of praise: “(I) will praise you yet more and more.”
The longer we know the Lord and the more we experience the blessings and benefits which demonstrate how much he loves and cares for us, the more we ought to offer him our praise. Throughout our lives, we should declare his glory with ever increasing vigor. Even when we grow old and our strength wanes, we are to continue praising God so that the next generation may receive a vital testimony of his worth. God deserves nothing less from those who are the lifelong beneficiaries of his love.