WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3

Filled with Praise

READ:
Psalm 117:1-2  Praise him, all you people of the earth. For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever (vv.1-2).

When I was a young believer in Jesus, I was encouraged to keep a thanksgiving journal. It was a little booklet I carried with me as a means to capture the daily happenings that filled my heart with gratitude. Sometimes I would pen my thanks items at the end of the week, following a time of reflection.

Carefully crafting a list of praise items is a good habit—one that I should probably reestablish in my life. It helps me to be mindful of God’s presence and to be grateful for His ever-present provision and protection.

The psalmist who wrote Psalm 117 celebrated God’s love and faithfulness with words of worship for his Creator. In the shortest of all the psalms, the writer encourages all people to praise the Lord because “his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever” (v.2).

As believers in Jesus, it’s our privilege to be people of “praise” because we worship a praiseworthy God. Here are some practical ways we can do just that: Start the day by spending a few minutes with God. Read a portion of Scripture and focus your thoughts on how great He is and on what He’s done for you. Commit your day to Him in prayer. And if He puts a song in your heart, sing or hum it as you get ready for what lies before you.

Then, throughout the events of your day, pause often to focus on Him, to pray about challenges that come to light or to give thanks to Him for who He is. At night, as you get ready for bed, praise Him for His loving-kindness and faithfulness you experienced that day (v.2).

God draws us to consider Him and His awesome ways. As we take time to do so, our lives will truly overflow with praise.  —Poh Fang Chia

MORE:
Read Hebrews 13:15 to see how often we should praise our great God.

NEXT:
What can you do to remain God-focused this week? How can you better understand and celebrate His unfailing love and faithfulness?

Inspiring New Song from Britt Nicole - 'Through Your Eyes' from britt-nicole on GodTube.