DO THE RIGHT THING! (Boot Camp for Creators & Dreamers #11.2)

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Yesterday: Praising and worshipping God “clears the air” and creates an inviting spiritual atmosphere for the Creator, which brings several benefits including peace, joy and emotional comfort.  

Here are a few more reasons why praising God is the right thing to do.

  • Praise opens the door to blessings: “Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!” (Psalm 84:4 ESV)
  • Praise reinforces Hope: “I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 ESV) Exactly what we need in order to stay the course!
  • It’s the right thing to do! “…Praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37 NIV)

For these reasons, and others, the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV) But sticking with this important spiritual practice isn’t always easy because, let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t feel like praising God! Actually, when things aren’t exactly going our way, it’s downright HARD! But read Paul’s verse again. Note that he likens the practice to offering a sacrifice.

The word sacrifice means “to surrender” something of value for the sake of “a higher or more pressing claim.” Making a personal sacrifice is never easy, but it IS a choice we must often make. Similarly, committing ourselves to continually praise God — despite our circumstances, and especially when facing problems — is something we must CHOOSE to do.

It’s a real test of our faith to give God our praises, even when we feel as though we’ve stalled in the pursuit of the vision; even when the fulfillment of our hopes and dreams seems light years away (and perhaps impossible to reach) — and even when we feel abandoned, forgotten, and alone.

Job felt this way. He suffered a tremendous loss — everything he loved in life — and yet, in the midst of his pain, grief, and despair, he cried out to his God: “Even if he slays me, I will hope in him.” (Job 13:15 NET Bible) This Biblical icon never stopped trusting and praising God.

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; …even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT)

Modern application? Even when we just don’t get it, we still praise Him — every single day, rain or shine. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2 NIV) Even when things go wrong,
remember: “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in Your hand”
(Psalm 31:14-15 NASB)

Start implementing the secret weapon of praise. Discipline yourself to worship God throughout the day — everyday! Our declarations of praise and worship are pleasing to God, like a sweet aroma (2 Corinthians 2:14); but we get all the spiritual benefits! To quote Houston pastor and author Joel Osteen, “You can change your world by changing your words… Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

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