Praising God sounds easy and can become automatic. But when we give praise with a truly grateful heart even in the direst of situations, it works miracles. The Bible says God inhabits our praises. His Word also promises we will receive great rewards from our habit of praising Him. Try it. It works!
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Praise works
When my husband and I took walks, he kept his mind on the goal without letting pools, some like mini lakes, or downed trees stop him. I, on the other hand, skirted the obstacles. I studied the situation, complained about it, and took the long way around. Oh, the time and energy I wasted!
Sometimes when I face other kinds of problems, I waste time and energy trying to solve them in my own way. I rush headlong toward a shortcut or, worse, turn around to avoid the situation. Perhaps most of us use such methods to “solve” our uncomfortable, distasteful, fearful, or painful circumstances.
The Bible offers a better way to face our problems. Praise God. No, I don’t mean praise Him for offering a better way, I mean praise Him as the better way.
Praising God in the midst of and for our problems is a sure, documented way to bring joy, assurance of His lovingkindness, and the best answer. Praising God is not a magic formula for success. It’s a way of life based solely (and soul-ly) on God’s Word. The Bible is filled with stories about people who praised God in the midst of dire situations and came out victorious. His people, on more than one occasion, led their woefully outnumbered armies into battle with an appointed choir of singers who praised the Lord. And more than once, Peter, Paul, and other disciples praised God while chained in dark dungeons, which resulted in being freed.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Praising God is more than a change in attitude. It is the belief that God has allowed our situations for an unseen reason we may not understand. It is a step of faith. We reach a turning point when we choose to delight in the Lord through our praises and accept our problems with thanksgiving. “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible …” (1 Peter 1:8)
In all that we face, perhaps we should consider these three steps: (1) Trust Him even though we don’t understand; (2) Praise Him even though our situation looks hopeless; (3) Watch Him work on our behalf.
Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that reminds us daily of the importance of praising You even when we face the mini lakes and downed logs of life. Thank You for the joy, assurance and perfect answer praise brings. Forgive us the times we have blamed You or others for our problems and neglected to praise You for them. May we remember always to praise You in and for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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