I’ve often been told I’m “extra”—extra animated, extra excitable, and, yes, even extra loud when it comes to praising and worshiping God. But how can I not be? I’ve seen God work miracles in my life and in the lives of others. I’ve seen friends healed from cancer, marriages restored, prodigal children return home, and, most importantly, souls saved by His grace. It amazes me every time I consider the depth of God’s love and faithfulness.
When I reflect on Psalm 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible, I’m reminded why being “extra” in our praise is not only okay—it’s Biblical. This Psalm, just two verses long, invites everyone, everywhere, to praise the Lord:
“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117:1-2, ESV)
Let’s unpack this profound call to praise and how it speaks to our lives today.
Psalm 117 is part of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Jewish feasts like Passover, a celebration of God’s deliverance from Egypt. Scholars believe King David wrote this Psalm, though some attribute it to an unknown author during Israel’s post-exilic period.
Its brevity doesn’t diminish its depth. The Psalm declares God’s universal reign, inviting all nations—not just Israel—to praise Him. It foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Psalm calls us to reflect on two eternal truths: God’s steadfast love and His enduring faithfulness.
1. God Deserves Enthusiastic Praise From Everyone
Psalm 117 opens with a powerful invitation: “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” This call to worship transcends every barrier—race, culture, geography, or background. It’s for everyone: Jew and Gentile alike.
I love to worship, and I believe praise should be full of joy. I’ve visited places where my enthusiasm during worship raised a few eyebrows or earned me some uncomfortable looks. But honestly, I wonder—why aren’t we more excited about praising the God of the universe?
We shout louder for our favorite sports teams or favorite bands than we do for the Creator who gave us life, salvation, and hope. How can we hold back our praise for a God who is so faithful, loving, and powerful?
When we worship enthusiastically, we’re not just expressing gratitude—we’re declaring that God is worth more than anything this world offers. As Psalm 34:3 says, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Our worship shifts the focus from ourselves and our problems to God and His greatness.
True worship is a response to who God is. It’s not about how we feel, what people think, or the setting. It’s about celebrating the One who deserves all glory and honor.
So, let the nations praise Him, and let us praise Him boldly. Because when we do, we reflect the joy and awe that His greatness inspires.
2. God’s Love Exceeds All Expectations
Verse 2 says, “For great is his steadfast love toward us.” The Hebrew word for “steadfast love” (chesed) captures God’s covenant love—a love that doesn’t depend on our performance.
I have a confession: I love romcoms and Christmas movies. My husband jokes with me about how unrealistic they are because life doesn’t always have perfectly wrapped happy endings. He’s not wrong. Real life is often messy, imperfect, and far from the scripts Hollywood gives us.
But here’s the thing—I believe there is a love that satisfies, a love greater than any fictional romance or feel-good movie. It’s God’s love. Unlike the fleeting, conditional love we see in the world, God’s love is unshakable and exceeds all our expectations.
When fear whispers, “What if?” and attaches anxiety to an unknown future, God’s love assures us, “Even if the worst happens, I am with you, and my love will carry you through.” He knows us fully and loves us completely, no matter how messy or imperfect our lives may be.
3. God’s Faithfulness Endures Forever
Anxiety often stems from doubting God’s faithfulness. But Psalm 117 reminds us that His faithfulness is eternal—it has no expiration date.
This resonates deeply with me because I’ve experienced relationships where I was told, “I love you,” but that love didn’t endure. Promises were made, only to be broken. Love was conditional, tied to circumstances or expectations. That kind of hurt stays with you.
But God’s love isn’t like human love. His faithfulness endures forever. When He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6), He means it. When He promises to be our comforter, protector, and provider, He doesn’t waver.
Unlike the love that falters when life gets hard, God’s love is steady, reliable, and unchanging. It doesn’t shift with our failures or the world’s chaos. As we walk with Him, His enduring faithfulness becomes a firm foundation beneath our feet, a constant reminder that we are never alone.
God’s love doesn’t just endure time; it endures us. Even when we fall short or stray, His faithfulness never falters. That’s a love worth praising—a love we can trust with every part of our lives.
Living a Life of Praise
Being “extra” in our praise isn’t just an emotional reaction; it’s a spiritual discipline. Here are a few practical ways to live out Psalm 117:
- Praise God Loudly and Boldly
- Don’t hold back your worship. Reflect on His character, His works, and His faithfulness. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, who is described as strong and full of vigor, rise up each day with energy to give Him glory in all you do.
- Practice Gratitude Daily
- Meditate on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Keep a journal of answered prayers and His provision. The more we recount His goodness, the more our hearts will overflow with praise.
- Choose Joy in Worship
- Joyful praise is contagious and healing. When we direct our emotions toward worship, we find peace that transcends understanding.
So, sisters, let’s echo Psalm 117 in our hearts and lives. Praise Him for His steadfast love. Trust in His faithfulness. And let your worship be bold, joyful, and as “extra” as His abundant grace.
Praise the Lord!
