Shout Outs & Props

You've no doubt heard these terms and wondered what in the world they were saying? "I'd like to give a shout out to my peeps." Interpreted this is simply, "I want to thank all of those who love and support me every day." It's an offer of thanks, of praise, respect. "Props" are similar signs of proper respect, recognizing someone who has done something significant for you or in other words, "propped up" a circumstance through leadership or decisions or action. "I'd like to give props to the President for the way he handled the days after 9/11." A Shout Out and a Prop are new ways to communicate.

It's not unlike what the Psalmists are saying to God in many of their songs.

"You made me so happy, God I saw your work and gave you a shout out.
Props to You for your magnificent work, God!" (Psalm 92:4, my translation)

Whether it's "shout outs" or "props" or more traditional words, God deserves our praises. But I wonder if we praise enough? I know I don't.

I love to sing, in the car, at home, in my office. There's always music playing somewhere, even if it's only in my head. And my favorite songs are praises. I sing praises all the time. ("Shout out to God with a voice of triumph; shout out to God with a voice of praise" has been going through my head all morning.) But I admit that when I pray, I'm not as likely to include these words of praise and thanks.

Do you?

I mean really give "shout outs" to God?

I believe that we ought to give God props constantly, because we don't often recognize the things God is doing for us and in us. We ought to give shout outs to God just because of the very nature of God. (See Psalm 93 and others) When we see 60 degree days in November; when we see the vivid colors of fall; when we just miss causing or being in an accident; when things go our way; when we wake up successfully; when we succeed; when we fail; when we're happy for anything; when we feel joy; when we feel peace; when we experience love; when we show grace; when we receive it, we ought to give a shout out or a prop to God.

"Come, let's shout praises to God,
raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let's march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymn.
Why? Because God is the best,
High King ove all the gods.

So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!"
(Psalm 95:1-2,6, The Message)

We have much to shout about.

Props to God!

Peace ><>
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