“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.”1
When we are encountered with less than desirable circumstances in life, it is easy to become praise-less. Instead of speaking praise, we sometimes speak complaints. We find it difficult to focus on what the Lord has done and continues to do when things are not going as we had planned.
During the past few months, the Lord has reminded me of the importance of praise and that has changed my perspective on the situation at hand. This change in my attitude has also trickled down to my children and those around me. When we choose to give God praise despite our circumstances, He fills our hearts with peace. If you, like me, have noticed times of negativity in your home, be the change by choosing an attitude of praise.
One of the ways we have been intentional about giving praise and glory to God is by writing down the blessings God has given us and choosing to be thankful for everything God has done. Whether the blessings are big or small, we are going to praise Him. Another way we can help keep an attitude of praise is by spending time in God’s Word daily. The Bible is full of people who faced hardships and stories of God’s faithfulness. Reading these stories will restore our hope, strengthen our faith, and help us find ways to choose praise instead of complaints.
There are several other ways to practice being thankful and developing an attitude of praise, but the important thing is that we do it. God is good and his faithfulness endures forever. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His promises still stand true. For this we can choose to praise the Lord and sing for joy at the work of his hands.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness in every circumstance. Give me a thankful heart for the blessings, both big and small, that you give me daily. I praise you for your goodness, grace, and love towards me. Keep me from complaining when things seem uncertain, but instead allow me to trust you completely. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 92:1-4 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.