Continual praise.
How often do we praise God?
You might find yourself praising God when something good happens to you or when you’re feeling particularly blessed and that’s good. There might also be times when life is tough, you’re feeling low and praising God is the last thing on your mind.
Don’t let your feelings direct your praising!
If we allow our feelings to affect our praise to God, then we have given authority to someone or something else to control how we see God. He is always worthy of our praise.
David wrote Psalm 34 after he was humiliated and feared for his life. I believe the first few verses hold a key to unlocking a life of praise and the power it brings.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together. – Psalm 34:1-3
He starts by confirming his position as someone who has decided to praise the Lord, not just in the good times, but at all times. It’s a positive affirmation of his intentions and an attitude we need to adopt if we want to cause positive change in our life of praise.
Our praise to God is a decision we have to make despite our feelings.
Verse two shows that our continual praise encourages others. ‘When the humble hear our praise it makes them glad’. I’m always encouraged by someone praising God in different ways and often want to join in. Our praise in difficult situations can help others to see their own circumstances for what they are, just clouds which will pass, but God is always good.
Verse 3 shows how important praise is to fellowship. Our community can be brought together with genuine, heartfelt praise. When we put everything else aside and come together in our combined praise, then we magnify the Lord. As we lift up His name together, His power and love deliver us and there is no fear or shame.
When we choose to praise God at all times, despite our feelings, great things begin to happen and our feelings become effected by our praise.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9
Your praising and rejoicing could pave the way to enjoying life without anxiety. Instead of being guided by feelings, you can enjoy the peace of God which surpasses understanding.
Praise is more than an event or activity, it’s a lifestyle and a choice. Praise God at all times and in all things today and be blessed beyond measure.
May the God of peace be with you as you keep praising Him!