1. Why Do We Praise God? Psalm 113
In the Old Testament, one common word that is translated "praise" [tehillah], literally means "to cause to shine."
Thus, praise is giving glory to God. [Letting God shine]
(Psalm 40:3), “He has put a new song in my mouth — praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”
The word comes from a root word, halal, which literally means to shine, to flash forth light.
It can be translated as to boast, to exult, or to praise.
Psalm 113:1-9 is a wonderful example:
“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! 3 From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, 6 who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? 7 He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, 8 that He may seat him with princes—with the princes of His people. 9 He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
Consider how often we praise our heroes, our mentors, our friends, our children (present example: Senator John McCain)
How appropriate it is to praise the Almighty, merciful, loving, righteous God in heaven!
Psalm 113

2. Reasons for Praising the Almighty
He is the Creator of all Things!
Genesis 1:1; Psalm 95:6-7; 139:14
God is the Almighty Creator of the physical universe,
(Genesis 1:1), “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
More personally, He created man, and gives life to all!
As such, He is to be praised (given glory!) This is something the book of Psalms demonstrates time and again!
(Psalm 95:6-7), “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”
(Psalm 139:14), “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

3. Reasons for Praising the Almighty
He is the Creator of all Things!
Genesis 1:1; Psalm 95:6-7; 139:14
He is the Sovereign God!
Acts 12:21-23; Psa. 145:13; 47:7; Jn. 19:10-11
The Almighty God in Heaven is sovereign in the universe
Definition – possessing supreme or ultimate power. This belongs to God, and to God alone!
[Herod learned this lesson] (Acts 12:21-23), “So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.”
This means that God is subject to no one. He rules as He sees fit, without giving answer to any other. That mankind is subject to Him. And that, despite the present day disrespect for God, man has absolutely no right to question or criticize Him.
(Psalm 145:13), “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
(Psalm 47:7), “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding.”
(John 19:10-11), [Jesus’ conversation with Pilate before His crucifixion] “Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

4. Reasons for Praising the Almighty
He is the Creator of all Things!
Genesis 1:1; Psalm 95:6-7; 139:14
He is the Sovereign God!
Acts 12:21-23; Psa. 145:13; 47:7; Jn. 19:10-11
He blesses us, and shows us favor!
Psalm 113:5-9; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-12
Most personally, we have reason to praise Him because, though He is the Almighty Creator, and Sovereign, He still deigns to pay attention to us and our needs!
Our beginning text points this out wonderfully
(Psalm 113:5-9), “Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, 6 who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? 7 He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, 8 that He may seat him with princes—with the princes of His people. 9 He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
The 77th Psalm points out the providence God showed to the Psalmist, and the Psalmists response (We would do well to heed his example):
(Psalm 77:1-2), “I cried out to God with my voice — to God with my voice; and He gave ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord…”
(Psalm 77:11-12), “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.”

5. Our God is Worthy of Praise
Luke 18:43; Luke 1:64
Acts 19:17; Romans 11:36
God is worthy of our praise!
Psalm 96:8-9; Revelation 4:11
There are several New Testament words that are used to indicate praise to God
ainos, aineo, and ainesis are various forms of a word that literally means to tell a story -- in this case telling a story that exults in the things God has done.
(Luke 18:43), [After Jesus healed a blind man, his response] “And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”
eulogeo, [English equivalent eulogy], which literally means to speak good of another.
(Luke 1:64) [Zacharias, after his voice was returned to him], “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.”
megaluno, which literally means to make great by words.
(Acts 19:17), [Paul’s effectiveness contrasted with impotence of Jewish excorcists], “This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.”
doxa refers to what someone thinks of another, or their reputation. Thus, in reference to God, it is giving Him glory and honor.
(Romans 11:36), “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
God is Worthy of our Praise!
(Psalm 96:8-9), “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.”
(Revelation 4:11), “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”