"One Solitary Praise"

Copyrighted by Art4Him Studios (2013) - All rights reserved

"Let them praise the name of the Lord! For He commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all  peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of  Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord! "   Psalm 148:5-14  (English Standard Version)
I love looking at creation as it reminds me of the awesomeness of its Creator. As an artist, I don't just look at things, I catch myself looking at every little detail, like the shape or color of things. When I look at the sky, I don't just see blue, I see many variations of blue. It's the same with grass, leaves, tree trunks and everything else He has created. He has put so much detail in everything His hands have touched.
One of the amazing places I love to see His handiwork in, is the ocean. From the waves crashing into the rocks, to the gentle breeze tickling the surface of the water; each aspect reflects the awesome details of His creativeness. 
As I started working on this painting, I was looking at a photo of a seagull and it made me wonder what that seagull was looking at. He never worries about where his food will come from as he trusts his Creator to provide. No wonder Scripture reminds us that the birds and everything else He has created are to give Him praise.
Again I am reminded in Scripture that I am not to worry about things. In Philippians 4:6-8, God reminds us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."    (English Standard Version)
We may be going through tough times, whether it is through sorrow, financial, health or even not knowing what the future holds for us.  No matter what it is, we are to commit each aspect of our lives to our Creator by praying and petitioning with a thankful heart. We are to let our requests be known to Him, even though He already knows. He still desires for us to come to Him with our requests. After we have done that, verse 8 continues with that we are to think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, anything of  excellence and worthy of praise.
It's so easy to play the "what if" game, but He doesn't want us to do that. He wants us to think on what is true. The truth is He loves us ,and wants what is best for us! No matter what! We are to give Him our "One Solitary Praise". If all other creation can praise Him, why can't we? After all, He gave His life for us!