Reasons for Praise

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Psalm 104:33,34 (King James Version)

David has made up his mind to sing, praise, and be glad in the Lord. His words and thoughts follow a decision he has already determined to do. Not just when things were going well and happiness abounded. As long as there was breath in him, he would exude worship to God. It was his trademark and mantra! He knew God well enough to know that He deserved and desired his praise. He knew the power of speaking that praise. Read through the Psalms and you will find that even in the midst of David pouring out his heart concerning loss, fear, danger, and turmoil you will find him resolving to praise God.

What a difference it would make if in the midst of any circumstance we ended our thoughts and prayers with “But I will still praise You!” Even in the midst of pain. Even in the midst of tears. Even in the midst of heartache. Even in the midst of loneliness. Even in the midst of loss. Even in the midst of whatever life includes. What would happen if we chose, like David, to praise God? Not just when we felt like it. Not just when everything was going our way. Not just when people give us what we want.

What I have found is that praise redirects my attention. It takes my focus off my circumstances and places it on to God. It is a distraction of great proportion! If at that point I allow my spirit to express the praise I will find myself verbalizing the many reasons for praising God. It may start out with a simple, “I praise You”, but will quickly become, “I praise You for Your faithfulness, Your goodness, Your loving kindness, Your power, Your creation, Your wisdom…..” The words will not only reach God’s ears, but they will reach my heart as well. The effect will be peace, confidence, and trust as I once again drink in the truth of God’s care, compassion, and control.

It is not a denial of facts nor is it just merely positive thinking. Praise is fitting for God and necessary for me. I cannot afford to reserve it for only the “perfect” days. If I will determine to allow my mind to meditate upon Him and permit my mouth to speak the praise, the feelings and emotions will follow. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to choose praise as a priority and practice. God has extended the invitation to each of us and now awaits our response. May His ears soon hear the sounds of praise we were created to express!

Father, You deserve heartfelt, passionate praise! May my mind, heart, will, and mouth overflow with praise to You. May my praise of You be genuine and gigantic! Amen.