Practicing Praise
Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2 (NKJV)
Recently I wrote a skit for church titled I’m Thankful…But. I turned the sanctuary into a radio station and I interviewed four very uniquely different people. The big question was this: Do you have to practice praise? There couldn’t be a single word answer; I asked for at least 2-3 sentences that explained their personal stance on worship. They followed that with their favorite Bible verse about adoration.
This is the time of year when we focus on praising God from whom all blessings flow. But what about the hardships, cancer diagnosis, continual pain, or words spoken “I want a divorce” or “You’re fired!” It is difficult to see the blessing or find cause to praise our Creator when these things happen anytime but especially on the brink of the holiday season. Yet, this is all part of life.
If someone would just tell us how to do it, praising Him would be so much easier. Oh wait! We have a book full of directions on when, why, and what to say and do—God’s Holy Word. And it’s scattered throughout the Bible—not just in Psalms. Since the beginning of time, people have needed help with practicing praise.
The smooth times are much easier than the rocky, dark moments. But those who have walked the path before us have encouraged us with their loving words.
Habakkuk still practiced praise. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV). That must have been a tough time in which to live; sin was running rampant and God was not pleased. It sort of reminds us of today, doesn’t it?
How about Job who lost all his possessions, his children, and his health, yet continued to trust God's wisdom. Let’s not forget Jochebed, a mother who defied a tyrannical king by placing her son Moses in a basket in the river, trusting God with his life.
They may not have felt like praising God, but they did! We know what happened and how the stories ended. With our own lives, when we are not quite so sure of the outcome practice praising God anyway. Watch your faith grow and share it with others.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You bestow upon us. Help us to praise You with our heart and minds open to Your Presence. AMEN.