Topical Bible: Praise: should be offered with Gladness

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Praise, as an expression of reverence and adoration towards God, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is not merely a ritualistic act but a heartfelt response to the majesty, goodness, and mercy of the Almighty. Scripture emphasizes that praise should be offered with gladness, reflecting the joy and gratitude of the believer.

The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, frequently highlight the importance of gladness in praise. Psalm 100:2 instructs, "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs." This verse underscores that our service and worship should be characterized by a joyful spirit, acknowledging the privilege of entering into God's presence.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letters. In Philippians 4:4 , he exhorts believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This call to rejoice is not contingent upon circumstances but is a continuous state of joy rooted in the relationship with Christ. Such joy naturally overflows into praise.

The gladness associated with praise is not superficial or dependent on external conditions. Rather, it is a deep-seated joy that arises from the assurance of God's love and faithfulness. In Nehemiah 8:10 , the people are reminded, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." This joy, derived from the Lord, empowers believers to praise Him even amidst trials.

Furthermore, the act of praising with gladness is a testimony to others of God's goodness. In Acts 16:25 , Paul and Silas, despite being imprisoned, were "praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Their gladness in praise, even in dire circumstances, served as a powerful witness to those around them.

The Bible also presents praise with gladness as a foretaste of heavenly worship. Revelation 19:6-7 describes a scene of exuberant praise: "Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the loud rumbling of thunder, crying out: 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory!'" This passage illustrates the ultimate expression of gladness in praise, as the redeemed celebrate the reign of God.

In summary, the biblical mandate to offer praise with gladness is a reflection of the believer's joy in the Lord. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, a response to His grace, and a witness to His enduring faithfulness. Through gladness in praise, believers align their hearts with the eternal worship of God, both now and in the life to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 29:30
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 33:11
The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endures for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm LI.
... say, "In me are, O God, Thy vows, which I will render of praise to Thee ... he despiseth
bull, he-goat, ram: now is not the time that these should be offered. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm li.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... in vinegar and gall should be offered Thee to ... my best Beloved, that Thy mellifluous
Heart should be wounded ... Hail, sweet Jesus; praise, honour, and glory be to ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Letter iv. --For 332. Easter-Day vii Pharmuthi , iv Non. Apr. ...
... beyond the types, and sing the new song of praise. ... our Saviour, Where wilt Thou that
we should make ready ... place incense and a sacrifice might be offered to Him ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iv for 332 easter-day vii.htm

Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ...
... offerer, but prevented that which was offered from being ... one sinner that repenteth
[4115] , what should there not be ... with the voice of joy and praise, with the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vi for 334 easter-day xii.htm

Hezekiah
... temple courts resounded with words of praise and adoration ... And in the prophetic prayer
offered at the dedication of ... would be shown those who should worship there ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... even although three hundred denarii [1781] should be offered ... idols and gods of the
Egyptians offered gifts and vows ... opened; and she gave thanks and praise to God ...
/.../the arabic gospel of the infancy of the saviour/the arabic gospel of the.htm

Fasting, and the Goat Sent Away, were Types of Christ.
... whom we ought for everything to render thanksgiving and praise. ... whosoever did not
keep the fast should be put ... established in Isaac when he was offered upon the ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter vii fasting and the goat.htm

Letter xxxi. To Eustochium.
... And since honey may not be offered in sacrifice to God ... as the birthday [730] of Saint
Peter should be seasoned ... from me, sharp words that is, as well as praise. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxi to eustochium.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... his disposal: 'Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and ... Is it possible that
this tender, thus offered to the ... And why should not credence be given to that ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

In his Temple
... The worshipers offered their sacrifices without understanding that ... that the temple
at Jerusalem should be a ... and spectators, blended in thanksgiving and praise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm