Practice Praise: Keep A Song In Your Hearts For the Lord At All Times

Sometimes it is difficult to praise particularly if we are experiencing the “dark strokes of God’s providence” as Thomas Manton once wrote. Scripture calls this the “sacrifice of praise” when, with broken hearts, we choose to praise anyway. It is our choice – everyday – to remain in God’s love – actively searching for it everywhere – His little patches of “God-light” beaming through our darkest despairs. Reminding ourselves and believing that He loves us with an everlasting love (because He does) and searching for the evidences and praising Him all the while. He often surprises us in the most unusual ways – sunrises and sunsets, smiles from strangers, a peace that permeates, a bird suddenly catching our eye – all a part of His plan for us to feel His presence and practice His praise. That He would even think of us much less have us engraved on the palms of His hands is breathtakingly amazing, Amen? Who are we that He would even consider us? Yet, His loving us is a certainty. The Prophet Jeremiah writes in Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV): “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.’” Practicing His loving presence brings praise to our lips. 
 
All is God’s and all the blessings we enjoy are from His Hand – even the wicked enjoy possessions of His common abundance. True happiness lies in our contentment of God’s provision from what His Hand bestows. When one is never satisfied – even if he were given the whole world – contentment would evade him. We so often kick against the hard thinking if we only had this or that we would find true happiness, gladness and satisfaction. Yet, the reality is if we are not content where we presently are and with what we presently have we will not be content even if all we think we need or want is present. Contentment is learned. Paul writes to us in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” 

It is easy to pierce ourselves with many griefs by not embracing what He allows with joy but rather with discontentment and murmuring or envious grumbling. Pray for contentment and praise Him in all circumstances.