PRAISE

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  Psalm 145:1-3 NIV

Good dog is a phrase we often hear in our house.  It’s used especially when we want to affirm the doggie’s behavior.  Trainers state that using the word “No” doesn’t tell the dog what behavior you want displayed.  Praise on the other hand, tells your pup that you are pleased with their behavior and they will be rewarded for it.  A happy master makes a happy dog.

Our scripture today is a psalm of praise written by David.  The first line of Psalm 111, Psalm 112 and Psalm 113 is “Praise the Lord”.  Psalm 22:3 in the King James Version states, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel”.  God not only is worthy of our praise, He lives among our praises.

When we lift up the name of Jesus in worship and praise, we draw near to God.  James 4:8 tells us that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.  I hear so many people say that God feels so far away.  How can we remedy that situation?  I think the formula for knowing God and drawing close to him is a heart full of praise.

Do you look around and only see the bad in a situation?  Try to find one good thing to focus on and be thankful. The old hymn instructs us to count our blessings, name them one by one and before you know it you will be hopeful instead of negative.

Start off your prayer time with a chorus of praise to God.  Many of the psalms start out with the writer in trouble and distress but as he tells God his problems, the burden lifts.  Often, the writer is David and he ends by proclaiming his trust in God, his refuge and strength.

God delights in your praise.  He loves you and wants good for you. Draw close to Him in worship and praise and watch your attitude change.