Have you ever built a throne? If you answered “no,” then you’re in good company; I’ve never built a throne either. I don’t think of myself as a carpenter or builder of any kind, but something I read in Psalms recently caused me to rethink this.
Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel (Psalm 22:3).
The people of Israel are God’s chosen people–His people. When we receive salvation through Jesus Christ, however, we also are adopted into God’s family. In the context of this verse, let’s look at Israel as the children of God, a group that also includes those of us who confess Jesus as Lord.
Psalm 22:3 says that God is enthroned on the praises of Israel, His people. The word “enthroned” means to place on a throne or invest with sovereign authority; in Hebrew, enthroned or yashab means to dwell, remain, sit, inhabit or abide.
Now, God doesn’t need our praise in order to gain authority. He’s already the King and Creator of the universe, but as I read this verse, it seemed to say that our praises build up God’s throne. It’s almost as though our praises decorate or beautify it.
How do you feel when you see something beautiful? I love museums and gardens because the beauty of certain works of art and sculptured gardens make me feel peaceful and happy. How, then, do you think God feels when we use our praises to decorate His throne? I wonder if the praises that shine the brightest on His throne are the ones we give to Him in the midst of our trials and suffering.
The word praise in this verse is the Hebrew word tehillah, meaning praise, song, adoration and thanksgiving to God. So when this verse talks about the praises of God’s people, it doesn’t just mean songs–it means when we give God thanks or when we just sit and tell God all the things we love about Him. We love singing to God, but how much do you think it means to Him when we come up with our own words with which to praise Him instead of singing someone else’s words every now and then?
So girls, here’s the question: What kind of throne do you want to build for God? Does your praise make God’s throne sparkle and shine?
You, O Lord, rule forever, Your throne is from generation to generation (Lamentations 5:19).
