Has life ever been difficult for you? Do you feel, at times, that life is stacked against you, overwhelming you? Have you ever looked at a bee buzzing around a beautiful flower in amazement? Have you ever just looked in awe at a beautiful sunset? These situations are just some of the many opportunities to praise God. Psalms 103 begins with David praising God. “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his blessings.” (Psalms 103:1-2) He lists just a few of the reasons why God deserves our praises. God forgives all sins, heals diseases, redeems life from the pit, and crowns us with love and compassion; he satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles (Psalms 103:3-6). When I sit and contemplate who God is, it is easy for me to praise him.
Why should we praise God? Psalm 18:3 tells us, “Praise Him for He is worthy of Praise .”Simply put, God deserves praise. Again, in Psalm 145:3, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
Recently, I was at a church event, and the speaker was talking about counting the stars in the universe. Continuously counting two stars every second would take over 6337 years to count the stars in our galaxy. For perspective, scientists believe there are 400 billion galaxies in our universe. Counting all the stars is impossible. However, God knows each star and calls them by name (Psalm 147:4). We have an amazing God worthy of all praise!
Why is it so difficult for me to praise this spectacular God? I spent a lot of time thinking about this question. I realized two things. First, I have a trust issue, and second, I don’t spend enough time in God’s presence. Both problems are mine to fix. I know God is entirely trustworthy. However, I sometimes let my emotions, fears, and anxieties take over. Praising God is not based on how I feel but on who God is. God is faithful, trustworthy, omnipotent, and sovereign. As well as many other characteristics to numerous to mention now. As for the second issue, God is always there, wanting a relationship with me. I have to make time for Him. As I think that the Almighty, Sovereign God makes time for me, I must shout praise to Him! I do not deserve His love, yet He gives it freely.
David knew hardship, heartache, unfulfilled dreams, schemes against him, despair, and loneliness. Yet he was able to praise God in all these circumstances. For reference, look at Psalms 9, 18, and 30. I thought of David’s early days as a shepherd. He spent his days in pastures watching over the sheep of his father’s house. What did he see while tending those sheep? Did he have an intimate, up-close view of God’s protection over him? Did he experience God’s daily provision in miraculous ways? He must have experienced God’s power in some way to be able to go confidently up against Goliath, knowing he was approaching this battle in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:44-47). David spent time with God, and I believe he could praise God in any and all circumstances because of this investment.
Praising God also takes the focus off me and places it on God. As I sing praises to God, my heart becomes lightened, and I can see that I am not alone facing life, the good and the bad days. If I focus on myself and my feelings, I may not think to praise God at all. I may wander around thinking I know I should praise God, but not sure where to start. I become self-centered in my focus and only want what God can do for me. These are the days that I need to stop what I am doing, open the Bible, read some scriptures, and be still before the Lord. If I take the time to slow down and truly reflect on God and who He is, I will find copious reasons to give God praise. I need to take the time to read the stories of the Bible. Stories of David, Paul, and Deborah are just a few that demonstrate giving praise to our Awesome God. Should I praise God only when he delivers me or answers prayers the way I want? No. I should praise God in the hard times as well. Paul and Silas were severely flogged, thrown in prison, and heavily guarded. Even in these circumstances, they praised God. (Acts 16:16-34)
Another reason to praise God is our praises may be for those around us. The other prisoners listened to Paul and Silas as they sang and gave honor to their God. Maybe my praise can be just what someone needs to hear to encourage them in their journey or so they can offer their own praise to God. Exaltation given to God is an opportunity to show the greatness of God and His wonders. My praise may unlock a miracle as it did for Paul and Silas in prison. I know that If Paul and Silas can praise God after being beaten and imprisoned, I can praise God as I live my life in suburbia.
While writing this post, I read a blog, Busy, Blessed Women. The author, AnnMarie, said, “we can fall into the trap of equating our life’s circumstances with a ‘feeling of praise.’ So, when any of the myriads of storms we meet hit us, we default to our emotions.” When we don’t “feel” like giving praise is the exact time when we must praise God. Times when we don’t “feel” like praising, are opportunities to bring the sacrifice of praise. Praising God will not always cost us a personal sacrifice, but our faith grows deeper when it does. Giving glory to God can lift our souls so we can see above what we are experiencing and teach us to see and trust in God’s love, strength, and purpose.
Praising God is not just reserved for church. We can offer praise anytime and anywhere. We are never apart from God’s presence, so it should be normal to shout out praise throughout our day. You may get a few odd looks if you do this in the grocery store, parking lot, or any public place. But hey, when praise takes over your heart, you may have to let it out!
The Psalms are full of praise. Read a few Psalms for inspiration if you don’t know what to say. I have been inspired, by the psalmists, that when they were at a low point, they reached out in praise. I believe this act of worship lifted them, had the power to change their attitude, and strengthened them until their situation changed. As children of God, we always have a reason to praise God. The simple fact that He sent His Son to pay for our sin to redeem a fallen world is all we need to know to shout out continuous praise. The God of the entire universe cared enough for us that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son and that Son, Jesus, willingly went to the cross to pay for our sins. Amazing!! Praise God. As believers, we will spend eternity with God in His very presence. This reason alone should be enough for me to give glory, thanks, and praise to God.
Today, I will praise God, who deserves all my adoration, gratitude, and worship.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Peace in the Desert 