Live a Life of Praise and Thanksgiving
Live a Life of Praise and Thanksgiving
In Psalm 100 the psalmist instructs us to “Shout for joy to the Lord…Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs…Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (vv.1-2, 4-5).
What is it about praise and thanksgiving that brings the Lord and the believer so close together? Praise melts our hearts so that we are no longer hardened by sin or disappointment. The Bible teaches that God is near to those who praise Him. He knows the deepest concerns of our hearts. (Psalm 139) And while He never requires our praise, He certainly desires it because He knows that praise places us in a position to receive His blessings.
Praise reveals the true spiritual condition of our hearts and molds us into people who are thankful. When praising God, what do you say? Your words are important because they reveal what is in your heart. (Matthew 12:34) Your praise reveals the places in your life where God is working, and how much you really believe in Him. Through praise, God opens your heart so that you will know Him more deeply.
Praise refocuses our hearts so we can see God’s plan for the future.
In this life, you will face trials and troubles of many kinds. If you focus solely on your problems, eventually you will believe that disappointment is your destiny. It is not. Jesus has overcome every evil obstacle. If you focus on God’s power, love, and glory, you realize that great things are possible.
Praise re-establishes God’s reign over our hearts.
Praise is often difficult because it is an invitation for God to have authority in your life. Turning the authority of your life over to Him means not having to worry about your future. With God as your loving King, you will be able to claim His promise for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Praise fortifies our relationship with God.
Praise reminds you that God loves you with an everlasting love. It also helps you recall that you are not alone. God is like an eternal flame of hope burning at your side. By expressing your adoration and thanksgiving to Him, you not only accept His love, you also learn how to reciprocate the love He gives to you. (Revelation 5:12)
Through praise, God prepares us to worship Him completely—mind, body, and soul—so that we can experience the depths of His love. That is why Paul admonishes us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Let nothing hold you back; praise Him for His faithfulness and His care for you.
