Strong spirits: praise
If you, like me, are weak on praising, go learn from the masters.
How are you at praising? In particular, at praising God? Probably most of us know how to pray, at least how to ask for God's help in a matter. Most of us likely know how to give thanks. Though we may not do it nearly enough, we know how to thank God for what he's done. But I maintain that most of us are poor when it comes to praising. At telling God that we esteem him for who he is. At going beyond thanks to to exalting and honoring. And that's a problem...
"...the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen..." (Luke 19:37)
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:1)
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise..." (Psalm 100:4)
"Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness." (Psalm 150:1,2)
The problem with not praising God is two-fold: 1) He deserves praise and desires it; 2) praise reminds us of who he is, and brings us into his presence.
The Psalms are a good place to start. They are full of the whys and the how-tos of praise. If you, like me, are weak on praising, go there and learn from the masters. God is worthy of our praise, and praising him- in all circumstances- will always bless us... and Him! Praise God!
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
