Praise God!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Praise the Lord. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. —Psalm 148:1-6
The Bible talks about different ways that people praise and worship the Lord. People sing, dance, clap their hands, play instruments, and raise their hands as ways to show reverence to God in an act of worship and praise. However, praise is more than simply singing a song or clapping your hands, it is a condition of the heart. Giving God praise is not something Christians are to do just when they feel like it. God is worthy of our praise all the time.
The dictionary defines praise as the “act of expressing approval, admiration, commendation or laudation.” For Christians, praising God is an act of honoring and worshiping, of lifting Him up above all others and glorifying His name. Praise brings us closer to God as it awakens us spiritually and serves as a connection between the Lord and us.
God delights in the praise of His people. Jesus spoke out against the Pharisees who glorified God in appearance, but inside their hearts, were calloused and focused on their own agenda. We must come before the Lord and live a life of praise: A life that doesn’t only bow before the throne of God at church services, but lives a life where praise is a part of daily actions, attitude, and heart condition.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Take some time today and make a list of at least 10 reasons to praise God.
2. What is the condition of your heart? Are you living a life full of praise?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 134; John 4:23; Hebrews 13:15
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