Praise keeps your priorities straight

Has America taken God’s many blessings for granted? Has complaining, criticizing and negativity taken over our country. Could it be the little foxes have spoiled the grapes?

The Israelites in the wilderness certainly did their share of ailments and it took 40 years to take the Promised Land. True praise comes through the heart, not just when we get into trouble, but from a loving trusting fellowship with our heavenly Father.

Praising God keeps all of us going. Praising God releases tension to the believer and causes a new perspective in daily lives. Everyone can look back upon life and see the hand of God guiding a path through difficult circumstances. The book of Psalms blesses me. One of my many favorites is in chapter 34:1. “I will bless the LORD at all times:

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Praising God gives trust and stops cynicism. Creating hope and joy in spite of adverse situations is like a breath of fresh air to be around someone who praises the Lord.

Praise reflects the depth of spirituality. Isaiah 41:10 gives comfort and peace for the future: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help; thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

God is always willing to strengthen and help those who turn to him. That is something to praise him about! A heart that is filled with praise and thanksgiving is a happy one.

If you feel God doesn’t love you read Jeremiah 31:3, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

Praise God for eternal salvation. Praise him for Jesus. Praise him for the comforter.

Praise God for his willingness to guide us. We cannot see tomorrow. We do not know what the future holds, but God does. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Palm 119:105).

Praise God for he is preparing heaven for you and me. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am; there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

With these wonderful truths, how can we lose? Make your life a life of praise. Let it spill over into the lives of others who are striving to overcome wounds and disappointments that we all experience.

Finally, praise is beautiful. It gives joy to God because His greatest joy comes from our genuine worship and trust.

Praise God every day. Praise him in the morning, in the noonday, in the nighttime.

It will keep your priorities straight.

Joan Clayton is a retired teacher, writer and religion columnist living in Portales.

E-mail her at [email protected]