Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness,
and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and declare His works with rejoicing.
Psalms 107:21 and 22
This psalm is relevant today for all believers who in misery and affliction cry out to the Lord; it builds up our faith and encourages us during those times when we need God to intervene specifically in our lives.
However we are to praise God in good times and in bad times, for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men. Let us go back to the children of Israel and see how God took care of them. He made sure they had food, their clothes did not tear, their shoes did not wear out—all were His wonderful works. The children of Israel did not grasp the concept of praising God at this point; rather, they felt Moses took them into the wilderness to perish.
We are to praise God in all circumstances for He alone knows what is best for us. He created us in His own image and likeness. That is a reason enough to thank Him endlessly, for it gives us an assurance that we will not lack anything! We are the apple of His eye; we will inherit and eat the fruit of the land all because we are His likeness. This means God cannot allow us to suffer it is like He is suffering with us for we are His very own.
One time I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah, Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Church in San Diego, California. In his message he said, “Praise is not a choice but rather is a mandate and that is what we were created for.” He said, “Praise looks good on us and makes our faces shine in the eyes of our Lord. We come to the Lord with praises and His glory comes down.”
This is so true! When our praises go up…His glory comes down and takes care of our anxieties. Even if we cannot pray, but just give thanks and praises to the Father, He delights in the praises of His people.
As we are praising God it is like a sweet aroma going to heaven. It is as if He smells it, checks out where it is coming from, and He realizes that it is you and me…Wow!! And He asks the angels to rush with blessings that were in stock and an immediate supply to us.
When we are praising the Lord we have to do it with gratitude and rejoicing for what He has done and what He is yet to do. He is Omnipresent; hence His instant blessings.
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God our Father, we thank You for Your goodness and Your wonderful works. We give You all the glory and honor for Your lovingkindness. We declare with our mouths that indeed You are our God and Your works are marvelous. In Jesus’ name I have prayed. AMEN!
About Ann Mwafulirwa
thanks, ann, for the encouragement again to praise our God! <3
Thank you, Ann, praising the Lord along with you!