We read in (Hebrews 13:15): “Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” As I have shared in several previous devotions we don’t praise God based on how we feel but based on who He is. (Psalm 150:2) tells us: “Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
When things are going well it is easy to praise God and thank Him for our blessings – no sacrifice is needed. However, when difficulties hit us from every different angle the last thing we feel like doing is praising God. But, I believe, that this is where the sacrifice of praise takes place. It’s during these trying times, when God can seem so distant, that we need to make a personal sacrifice. We need to, not deny our down feelings, but acknowledge them and then begin to praise God. We need to let Him know that despite life not going the way we would like it to, we still believe He is good and can be trusted. When we do this God is honored and glorified and our faith in Him only deepens.
You see real praise is not based on circumstances but on the character of God. And it should flow continually from a heart of gratitude in both the good and bad times. And since God’s character is impeccable we don’t need to always feel like praising Him since the Bible tells us in (Romans 8:28) that He works all things for good. Not only will He bring blessings from our trials but He will help us get through our difficult times. I love what it says in (Nahum 1:7): “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” God is our stronghold even when we can’t seem to find any way out of our trying circumstances.
Praise is also great medicine. (Isaiah 61:3) tells us to put on: “…The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” And I believe when God sees us praising Him when we are struggling, we greatly glorify His name and we activate our mighty God to work on our behalf.
So, the next time a heavy trial comes your way rather than complain and try to figure out where is God, begin to sacrificially praise Him. For remember that praise has medicinal qualities, will strengthen your faith and trust in God, and most of all glorifies and pleases our Savior!