Scripture

Psalm 103:1-2 (New Living Translation)

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Consider

When we’re hit with an insult, an injustice, or a betrayal, our first impulse probably is not to thank God for it. More likely, we’ll challenge God, rage against God, question God—that is, if we think of God at all. We may be so consumed by our hurt and outrage that remembering God comes only as an afterthought.

At such times, however, praising God can bring us immediate relief from our pain.

When we praise God, we remember his loving kindness to us. We bless his name and thank him for all that we are and all that we have been given. We acknowledge our smallness in the light of his greatness, our weakness in contrast to his strength and sovereignty. In praising God we refocus our understanding of our circumstances against the backdrop of his larger purpose. Instead of asking God to fix our problem, we can ask for the grace to accept it.

God delights in our praise, but the truth is he doesn’t need it. He invites our praise because he knows that we need it. Moreover, he knows that we need it most when we are so hurt and frustrated that we don’t feel like singing or dancing or being thankful. When we offer praise despite our hurtful circumstances, he honors our obedience by entering into those circumstances and transforming our hearts. He softens our anger and hurt with inexplicable peace; he gives us joy where before we could only feel sorrow. He demonstrates his love by using the circumstance to test us and grow our faith.

Offering praise to God opens our lives and our wounds to his transforming Spirit. God uses our praise to change our attitude toward an offense, making it possible to forgive our offender and even to give thanks for a difficult circumstance.

Pray

FATHER, I recognize that I need you most when I am least likely to seek your company. Praise comes hard when I am angry and hurt and resenting my circumstances. I ask for grace to offer you praise and worship when my heart is leaning toward bitterness. Thank you for your patience and for this gift of praise that transforms my hurt and disappointment into peace and acceptance.

Reflect

Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7

Share

What is your favorite way to praise God?