Tag Archives: praise

Praise, Worship, and Thankfulness…

Praise—our response to God for what He has done, is doing and will do. Praise relates to the acts of God. Praise is what we do when we recognize, appreciate, and express God’s greatness. The more we focus our thoughts on God, the more we are moved to praise Him. The more we read our Bible, the more we get to know Him. We praise God when we can appreciate all He does.

Worship— our response to who God is? Worship relates to God’s character. Worship can be something we do in celebration and quiet dedication to God. Our worship demonstrates our deep devotion to God. True worship doesn’t just take place in a church; rather, true worship is when we discover God’s presence in our life at home, at work, at school, in the game, and at church. God wants to live in our hearts wherever we go, not just when we go to church.

Thankfulness— a grateful acknowledgement of God’s acts and His character! We should be grateful to God for His personal concern, help, and mercy toward us. God not only protects, guides, and forgives us, but His creation provides everything we need. The more we realize how we benefit from knowing God; we are fully able to express our thanks to Him through praise and worship!

Discouraged?

The feeling of having lost hope and confidence that something will or can happen is discouragement.  In Psalm 43:3, we are told to allow God’s truth to provide the right path for us to follow and His light a clear vision to follow the path.  When you feel surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, follow God’s light and truth.  God will guide you. God’s truth is the Holy Spirit.  You must place your total trust in Him, rely on Him for guidance and strength, and live as He wants you to live.  1 John 2:27

In God, there is no darkness.  His truth will expose whatever exists in your path.  He will guide you out of the darkness of sin.   He will show you your errors so that they are clear and that you may change.  1 John 1:5

When you feel, discouraged God is your hope!   He will make clear the way you are to go.  Don’t try to figure it out; don’t waste your time trying to see the way out.  Follow God’s way by knowing His Word and doing what it says to do—forget about the past, only trust God, not your best friend; just God.  God hears your cry; He will rescue you!  Praise Him because He is your Savior and God.  He sees everything concerning you.  He knows your situation.  Come to Him now.

In times of great need…send up great praise!

None is higher than You O God!  All praise belongs to You!  Come quickly to save me from those that wish to hurt and destroy me!  They threaten me and disappoint me.  They leave me feeling betrayed.  However,  You O God, can put them to shame, You can confuse them and turn them away in disgrace!  My plea for your help is urgent–get them!  Magnificent King!!  You are my delight!

I LOVE THIS PSALM!  (Psalm 70:1-5)

Look at it!  It is a desperate plea for Gods help against those who disappoint and hurt us.  However, in the middle of being assaulted David stops and praises God!  He praises God because He is worthy.  I love it!  Can you imagine, your enemy chasing after you to destroy you, Yikes!  You need help quick!  “Lord, come quickly! HELP!” Then, in your next breath you say, “Lord, You are so amazing!  When I think of Your goodness, my soul gets excited!!!  Look O Lord, those mean, evil people are trying to hurt me!  Get them!  They outnumber me; they are ruthless thugs!  Don’t delay Lord!  You are my deliverer!”

Ever feel like David?  Ever feel like those you thought you could trust, just punched you real good in the gut?  We might even be afraid of them.  How about a shout of praise?  “Jesus! You got this dude!  You are all Mighty!  If I die, being hunted down by my enemy, I am going to die praising you!  Come, quickly Lord!”

God is there.

Be like Him…

Psalm 103 tells us much. It is so easy to complain about life, however, let’s look at what God does for us.

  • He forgives and forgets our sins
  • Heals our diseases
  • Redeems us from death
  • He loves us
  • He has compassion on us when we are in need
  • He restores the things the enemy takes from us
  • He avenges us and we don’t need to seek revenge
  • He remembers our human weakness and has mercy on us

That’s what God does for us…And all he wants is for us to praise Him; acknowledge what He does!

Now that we know what God is like…let’s be like Him!

Father!

What would you have me do today?  I thank you in all Your majesty! Your splendor! Power! Glory! Strength! Praise!  I exalt you today Lord.  You are worthy!  You are my Shepherd!

I will seek you first in the morning!  I am not my own, but I belong to You!  Use me for Your service.  Let your love operate fully in my heart.  I am in need of You daily.

I must surrender myself to You constantly as I am but of a sinful nature without You.  Don’t let my mind be my own or my ways be mine.  Rather, I give my will to you and I will do your will.

Wash me that you may find me presentable for use.  Purify me that I will not make you ashamed.  Here am I…send me.

I know You are with me.  Through distress, pain, disappointment, death, uncertainty, sickness, You are there Lord.  Let not my enemies even believe that they have defeated me.  Protect me with your mighty hand from those that seek to destroy me.  As I realize the strength and power that You give me, I will run to You for refuge.  I jump into your lap to rest from battle.  You renew me daily.

I feel Your power in me.  That keeps and protects me from evil.  Your power has healed the innermost pain and hurt of my heart.  You have wiped the tears of my soul away and given me peace beyond my understanding.

How could I have hurt so much and have been so troubled?  Now, I cannot find the pain.  Miraculously, You have hidden me in your safe place.  You heard me when I poured out my heart to You.  You exchanged my hurt, pain, distress, and doubt for something so sure, peaceful, joyful and powerful.  My face can smile again.  I am healed!; my soul can rejoice again as I am free.

The tears that roll down my face now are tears of joy!  You not only delivered me from my enemies, but you resurrected me.  You lifted me from death to my pain, hurt, distress.  You have given me new life.  I live again because of You!  Amen