Tag: praise

Posted on in Apologetics, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Words, Worship

Worthy of Honor

I heard something interesting recently. One difference between praising God and worshiping God is how we talk about it. While the connection may be a little more complex, it made a lot of sense to me. Praise happens in the third person; that is, we talk about Him to people. We tell others how He is working in our lives. Worship is when we talk to God directly. We tell Him how amazing He is!

So, that has me thinking about how often I praise God versus how often I worship Him. I am the only one in all of creation who can worship and honor God like I do. And, you are the only one who can worship God in your way. We are made in His image, yet still unique.

One day soon, those who love God will be singing “holy, holy, holy.” So, if we don’t speak up or sing out, that part of the heavenly chorus is missing. Even so, during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem during Holy Week, Jesus said that if the people didn’t praise Him, then the rocks would cry out.

At church lately, we have been singing a song called “Worthy” by Elevation Worship. I can’t recall all the lyrics from one day to the next, but that doesn’t matter. All I need to remember is that only Jesus is worthy of my worship and praise. He is above all and greater than everything!

That song has been waking me up, and I am glad Jesus is on my mind first thing. Whatever I have going on in my day or life, Jesus is bigger and better. My problems are not problems for Jesus! He doesn’t face the same obstacles; He has overcome them all!

So, when I worship Him, I agree with Him. I come into alignment with Him and His purposes for me. When I praise, I tell others all about Jesus, and we build up our faith. As I pray, telling Jesus about my problems, those very same problems hear how strong and mighty Jesus is! It’s a good trade! My problems will either be resolved, or I will grow in His strength and handle them with His grace.

It all starts with Jesus. Only He is worthy of all our praise and worship. We must lay down anything else that would compete with Him. Your phone, job, hobby, schedule, distractions, not even your family… nothing and no one is worthy of all your praise and worship besides Jesus! Honor Him today!

When we seek Jesus first, He will take care of the rest! He is our treasure and our reward. We don’t have to strive because in Him is life and all we need.

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“Lord, You are more precious than silver, more costly than gold, and more beautiful than diamonds. Nothing I desire compares with You.” Help me live it out, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What does it mean for you when Jesus is greater than all of your problems, your schedule, your decisions? How does thinking of Jesus as your treasure and reward change your plans and your efforts today?

Task: Catch up on my old blog posts about praise and worship!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Worthy of Praise

We sing a song at church called “Praise” by Elevation Worship. It is a fun song to sing, but the message is also important. Here’s one section of the lyrics:

I’ll praise when I feel it
And I’ll praise when I don’t
I’ll praise ’cause I know
You’re still in control
Because my praise is a weapon
It’s more than a sound (more than a sound)
Oh, my praise is the shout
That brings Jericho down
 
 
God is worthy of our praise whether we feel like it or not. Praising Him is not always easy or enjoyable. Sometimes, it is downright difficult. Distraction, pain, suffering, grief – there are so many things to take our eyes off Jesus. Still, praise and worship are tools to show others how great God is.
 
When we give God credit for His work in our lives, we magnify His glory and shine attention back to Jesus. Our pride and self-promotion take a worthy hit in the process. As we redirect our focus, we see things His way and trust Him at a deeper level.  This frees us from our chains and confuses our enemy.
 
It’s difficult to praise God when things are going wrong, but it blesses God and brings blessings upon us, too. Praising God may or may not change our circumstances, but it does change our hearts as the Holy Spirit moves and tweaks our perspective. Talk about transformation!

 
Praise is a timely reminder that people will fail us, but our Creator and Almighty God, never will. He is infinitely faithful and good. He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. Our Heavenly Father will never leave nor forsake His children. 
 
Praise has the power to prepare us for God’s greater work. As the Holy Spirit redirects us, we are open to what He wants us to do. We align our vision with His and gain confidence to move forward with intention.
 
Praising God has the potential to prevent panic when things go awry. We can praise, pray, and plan in advance! Then, whenever a problem does arise, we are prepared.
 
Praise can be a form of prayer, which is really just communicating with God. The acronym ACTS starts with Adoration, then Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In some ways, you can praise, worship, and pray all at the same time!
 
Don’t worry if you are a good singer. You can shout your praises or whisper them. There is always a reason to praise. Just come and give God the glory for all He has done for you. He just wants your heart!
 
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Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your mighty works! Thanks for all the ways You love me and provide for me. Help me walk worthy of Your calling today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
 
Questions: What are some things you are praising God for today? Do you like to sing, or shout, or dance, or journal?
 
Tasks: If you need a primer on praise, the Psalms are a great place to start. I came across Psalm 93 today and encourage you to check it out! Also, here are some of my other blog posts on praise.
Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Words, Worship

Praise Him Anywhere

On my way to work yesterday, I heard the song “Praise You Anywhere“ by Brandon Lake. It’s a good song, but I hadn’t paid much attention to it until yesterday. I sat in my car for a few minutes, thinking about various places I could praise God.

I like to sing in the shower, in the car, and while cooking. I’m sure there are other places I worship God, but I haven’t thought much about it lately. Sometimes, I like to just be quiet and feel His presence.

That said, I don’t have to sing in order to praise God! I often thank God for various things, either out loud or in my heart. I might praise Him for the weather, or a kindness I perceived. I may thank Him for light traffic or meeting someone else’s needs. I pray blessings of over people I love dearly and complete strangers I see as I go about my day.

I love that praise can be a part of prayer, which is just talking to God. I like to check in and pray at meal times, when I wake up and go to bed.

Currently, I am thanking God for sending us less snow than usual. I’m sure we will get plenty of it soon, but it has been helpful for my current role at work. The cold weather is important and beneficial at the same time. There is beauty to be found in every season!

With the winter we’ve had lately, my sister sent a picture of a sun dog. We see them a lot in North Dakota, but she hadn’t seen one for a while in Illinois, where she still lives. It was a praiseworthy thing to photograph!

I love what Psalm 113 says about praise. Here is part of verses 1-3:

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.

Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Praising God doesn’t have to be awkward. Really, it is the most natural thing we can do. If you don’t know what to say or do, start with what you see. Tell Jesus how thankful you are for objects in your environment. Next, move through the other physical senses (hearing, touch, smell, taste, and proprioception). Make it a full-body experience!

Then, tell Him how you feel emotionally. Praise Him for His help, provision, healing, and anything else that comes to mind. If you are struggling, that’s okay. He understands. Praise Him anyway!

We were created for a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Whether you sing or talk, you don’t need fancy words! Just bring your heart!

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God, we praise You! You alone are worthy. Help us praise and worship You with our whole hearts and all of our gratitude. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Where do you like to sing or praise God? Do you find it easy or a bit awkward?

Tasks: As you go about your day, look for ways to praise God. Consider tracking your praises and see how long your list gets! For another great Brandon Lake song, check out “Gratitude.” Praise Him anywhere!