‘…I will praise You more and more.’ Psalm 71:14 NLT
Don’t limit yourself to worshipping God in church. Be like the Psalmist: ‘I will bless the Lord at all times…’ (Psalm 34:1 NKJV) When you don’t feel like praising God but you do it because you want to please Him, that’s called ‘…the sacrifice of praise…’ (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV) And when praise becomes a lifestyle it has a domino effect (that’s where one change causes another, which in turn causes another). When you tell God how wonderful He is, how much you love Him and want to spend time with Him, you’re more likely to find your mate telling you how wonderful you are, how much they love and enjoy being around you. Over time your family and friends start to feel the effect. On the other hand, when you withhold from God the praise He deserves, you deprive yourself of what you need in your own life. David said, ‘…magnify the Lord with me… let us exalt His name together.’ (Psalm 34:3 NKJV) God inhabits [occupies, sets up house in] the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3) When you tell Him, ‘You’re wonderful, there’s no problem You can’t solve and no need You can’t meet. I’m casting all my care on You. I know You love me and I’m not going to give in to depression and defeat. I’m trusting You to conquer my enemies, break down the doors that are locked and give me victory,’ God sends angels to fight and win the battle on your behalf. (Hebrews 1:14) No wonder David said, ‘…I will praise you more and more.’ (Psalm 71:14 NLT) It works! Isn’t it time you started thinking along the same lines?
SoulFood: Luke 2:8–20, Pro 3:13–18, Ps 119:161–168
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©