Mark 14:26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
I believe that one of the most neglected things in people's lives today is praise. We seldom give it to those around us unless we are very purposeful about it, as the day's events usually have our mind sufficiently diverted from this act. We seldom receive it in this hurried world and when we do, sometimes it appears rehearsed or disingenuous. As we realize both of these realities, is it any wonder that praise to our God and King generally takes a back seat in today's world?
Just before Jesus was to go to the cross and be cruelly executed. Prior to being betrayed by His own and handed over to the Romans; Jesus led the disciples in singing praise to the Father! He knew where He was headed and He knew he was to be betrayed, yet He sang! Jesus was leading others in praise, not just prayer, prior to the most dire test of, and conclusion of his life! Praise?? Then??? WHY????.
It is important for us not to forget to PRAISE God and not just PRAY to God. Everything we have and all we are is because of God's grace and mercy. The beautiful flowers, a sunshine filled day, the song that touches your heart, the love in your life; all because of God's providence and love for you! Our Father deserves the praise of His children.
Another awesome aspect of praise, whether spoken, thought or brought out in song, is the power it gives to us through reassurance of God's greatness. Look to Paul and Silas for an example. They had been ministering for God in Philippi and were tossed into jail for doing it. What did they decide to do about it? Praise God! Acts 16 tells us that around midnight Paul and Silas were singing hymns while chained up in prison and then things started happening in a BIG way!! (you can read the details, it will be good for you!)
I would like to put a challenge out to you this day: Over the course of this week as you meet the various trials that come your way, PRAISE God TWICE as much as you ASK for something from Him. Don't forget, even in our prayers when we cry out for help there is to be an element of praise in it as well!
Praising our God in Heaven is just as much for us as it is for Him. We need to hear ourselves, mentally and physically praising God in both the good times and the bad. It is a reinforcement principle that will empower you to face the day. There is an old song that says: "Praise Him in the morning, Praise Him in the evening and Praise Him in the afternoon". How true it is.
Right now, whether you have already done this today or not, pick something that you can praise God about that is current, and do it. Yes, right now. Go for it! It could be a good thing or it could be a difficult situation you are in. Remember, all of the great people of the Bible praised God even in the worst of their days; and i they can with what they faced; so can you.
Remember, God's Got This!!!
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