“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 NKJV
“God’s acts flow naturally and generously out of His benevolence.”
My thoughts today are about “praise as lifestyle.”
Ever feel you need to have a reason to praise God at a given moment, even though you have countless reasons to praise for things past and things promised? Praise is a posture of heart before it becomes an expression of life. I think praise is every bit as much an attitude as it ever is an expression. Failing to praise God simply because He is GodHe is God can leave you vulnerable to subtle feelings of “What have you done for me lately?”
When nothing comes instantly that moves you to praise and you find your voice fall silent, simply begin praising God for Who He is. That alone will be vast and limitless enough to occupy you for your remaining lifetime. Praise to God, like thankfulness to others, has origin in your appreciation and understanding more than your emotions of a moment or event. Look inside, not around.
I have heard it explained that praise is given for what God has done, as somehow differentiated from worship being about Who God is. I think any recognition and expression that exalts and magnifies God relates directly to Who God is. “He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:21 NIV.
How could you truly distinguish the things that God benevolently does as separate from the character and nature of Who God declares Himself to be? His acts flow naturally and generously out of His benevolence, don’t you think? David did not bother to isolate the works of God from the wonder of God’s person; He praised God for both! “Praise Him for His mighty works; praise His unequalled greatness.” Psalm 150:2 NLT.
Who is God to you? That is the determining factor that shapes your lifestyle of praise. What is the Almighty’s place in your everyday life? Whatever place you have allowed Him, you could be overflowing with praise that God delights to be anywhere near you, let alone to live in your heart. “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your heart as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.” Read Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT.
Make praise your lifestyle! Praise should flow as naturally to God from your heart and words as grace and goodness flow from God’s toward you. I think doing so is also evidenced in your readiness to appreciate people in and around your life and thankfulness for the many kindnesses daily shown you. “And from the Throne came a voice that said, ‘Praise our God, all His servants, from the least to the greatest, all who fear Him’. . Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Revelation 150:6 NIV/19:5 NLT.
My prayer for you today is that if you’re breathing, you’re praising!