Years ago, a soft-drink company came up with a slogan that claimed "things go better with" their product. Who can really say what the positive effects of a soft drink are, but we certainly know that life goes much better with praise!
When we fail to praise God, frustration builds. God is grieved, and we miss a great opportunity for blessing. When we take time to praise Him, feelings of fear, doubt, and frustration fade.
When we take time to praise Him, feelings of fear, doubt, and frustration fade.
The psalmist writes: "May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. . . . The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us" (Psalm 67:3, 6). Praise is the prelude to blessing!
Henry W. Frost, a veteran missionary to China, discovered the power of praise amid dark and difficult circumstances. He writes: "Nothing so pleases God in connection with our prayer as praise . . . and nothing so blesses the man who prays as the praise which he offers."
Frost goes on to explain just how he learned this Truth.
A deep shadow had covered my soul. I prayed and I prayed, but the darkness didn't vanish. I summoned myself to endure, but the darkness only deepened.
Then, I went to an inland station and saw on the wall of the mission home these words: 'Try praising the Lord.' I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone, not to return. Yes, the psalmist was right, it is a good thing to give praise unto the Lord.
Praise does not reduce the seriousness of the problems facing us, but it can certainly lift our downcast eyes to the one who has the power to lift our hearts and to offer us eternal hope.
When trouble increases and the stress of the day seems too much for you to bear, try praising God, and you will experience His wondrous joy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know Your faithfulness is bigger than any trial I could ever go through. Thank You for the hope and peace that come when I worship You instead of focusing on my problem! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you" (Psalm 71:6).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Empowered by Praise, Part 1: LISTEN NOW
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