PUBLIC HEARING

MEMORY VERSE: I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude (Psalm 109:30).

The expression "greatly praise" does not occur anywhere else in the Psalms. It demonstrates an unusually strong feeling of thankfulness. David's heart is filled with praise and he is determined to find words to express his gratitude for God's goodness to him.

But he is not going to slip off to the mountains to yell his praise from peak to peak. Neither does he seek a quiet wooded spot where he can whisper his worship to the trees or to a rippling brook. David declares that he will praise God among the multitude. While we may sometimes need solitude, we must not abandon public worship.

Public worship is commanded in the Bible: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). We have an obligation to God and to others to be in the place of public worship regularly. No one can stay strong and neglect the services of his local church.

One can praise God in singing with others in the congregation. Isn't it good that God has made music? And Christians have a song! It needs to be expressed in public worship. We should lift our voices with others who know the Lord and love to praise Him.

One can praise the Lord through a public testimony. When the opportunity is given, be one of the first to tell what God is doing in your life.

One can praise the Lord with his mouth in teaching the Bible to others. Use your knowledge of God's Word to help others grow.

Praise the Lord among the multitude.