Hear these Praises
When things are going our way, praise comes naturally. But when the dishwasher breaks or the children are sick or the mechanic gives bad news, it’s much more difficult to give thanks. God understands how your emotions are built; He made them. He also knows the cure for a heart weighed down by concerns and irritations—praise.
Some churches hold special services just for worship and thanksgiving. The usual order is set aside so the entire time can be spent in adoration of the Lord. Singing, prayer, and personal testimonies of God’s goodness are often key ingredients at such gatherings.
The idea of a praise service isn’t new, though. In the days of King David, the Ark of the Covenant was about to be returned to Jerusalem after months in the house of Obed-Edom (1 Chron. 14-16). However, David had made a grievous mistake earlier and angered the Lord—He had decided to bring the ark to Jerusalem but failed to transport it properly. When someone touched the ark to steady it, that person died.
David learned his lesson well. His heart rejoiced at the blessing that would soon come to his people because of their obedience. At his directive, the priests offered burnt sacrifices to God. A loaf of bread and some meat were given to every man and woman in the land. Their spirits burst with anticipation.
Then came the final and most important part of the worship preparation: David “appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, even to celebrate and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel” (1 Chron. 16:4). David set apart a time for praise. That’s what God wants you to do, even when life is difficult.
Benefits of Praise
Praise focuses your attention on God.When you take a long and deliberate look at the character and ways of the Lord, your eyes naturally shift away from difficulties. You remember Christ’s death and the Father’s ability to care for you.
Praise increases your faith. Telling God what you love about Him always involves reciting His past actions of might and power in your life. Looking back at the times He sent special provision at just the right moment, you will want to thank Him for them. This process results in a heart that expands with joy and security in Him.
Praise gives you a sense of identity. When you worship God, you act as one who belongs to Him. According to 1 Peter 2:9, you are a member of “a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” That is reason enough to praise Him forever.
Pure praise for our great and awesome God is never diminished by circumstance. Unfettered worship comes from the hearts of those who understand that our heavenly Father owes us nothing but has given us everything.
Because of His immeasurable love, God gave us the gift of life. We could not earn our physical existence—our Creator provided that blessing. We cannot merit our salvation—the Father bestows it through His Son Jesus Christ. True praise focuses on the astounding attributes and character of the Lord. It rejoices in His goodness.
Do you delight in knowing God? Is your relationship with Him exciting and rewarding? Learn the secret of praising the Lord even when a parent dies, your children rebel, or friends keep their distance. Worship the Almighty for who He is, and your song of celebration will light your path.
Adapted from Enter His Gates (1998), p. 332; and On Holy Ground (1999), pp. 291-2, both by Charles F. Stanley.
Some churches hold special services just for worship and thanksgiving. The usual order is set aside so the entire time can be spent in adoration of the Lord. Singing, prayer, and personal testimonies of God’s goodness are often key ingredients at such gatherings.
The idea of a praise service isn’t new, though. In the days of King David, the Ark of the Covenant was about to be returned to Jerusalem after months in the house of Obed-Edom (1 Chron. 14-16). However, David had made a grievous mistake earlier and angered the Lord—He had decided to bring the ark to Jerusalem but failed to transport it properly. When someone touched the ark to steady it, that person died.
David learned his lesson well. His heart rejoiced at the blessing that would soon come to his people because of their obedience. At his directive, the priests offered burnt sacrifices to God. A loaf of bread and some meat were given to every man and woman in the land. Their spirits burst with anticipation.
Then came the final and most important part of the worship preparation: David “appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, even to celebrate and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel” (1 Chron. 16:4). David set apart a time for praise. That’s what God wants you to do, even when life is difficult.
Benefits of Praise
Praise focuses your attention on God.When you take a long and deliberate look at the character and ways of the Lord, your eyes naturally shift away from difficulties. You remember Christ’s death and the Father’s ability to care for you.
Praise increases your faith. Telling God what you love about Him always involves reciting His past actions of might and power in your life. Looking back at the times He sent special provision at just the right moment, you will want to thank Him for them. This process results in a heart that expands with joy and security in Him.
Praise gives you a sense of identity. When you worship God, you act as one who belongs to Him. According to 1 Peter 2:9, you are a member of “a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” That is reason enough to praise Him forever.
Pure praise for our great and awesome God is never diminished by circumstance. Unfettered worship comes from the hearts of those who understand that our heavenly Father owes us nothing but has given us everything.
Because of His immeasurable love, God gave us the gift of life. We could not earn our physical existence—our Creator provided that blessing. We cannot merit our salvation—the Father bestows it through His Son Jesus Christ. True praise focuses on the astounding attributes and character of the Lord. It rejoices in His goodness.
Do you delight in knowing God? Is your relationship with Him exciting and rewarding? Learn the secret of praising the Lord even when a parent dies, your children rebel, or friends keep their distance. Worship the Almighty for who He is, and your song of celebration will light your path.
Adapted from Enter His Gates (1998), p. 332; and On Holy Ground (1999), pp. 291-2, both by Charles F. Stanley.
