IN THE HABIT OF PRAISING

As human beings we have so many habits. Most of the habits are not good. We are in the habit of cussing, when we are mad. We are in the habit of shopping, when we are depressed. We are in the habit of going to church, when it is Easter, but not the rest of the year. We are in the habit of reading a good book before bed, but not the habit of reading the Bible. We are in the habit of sharing the latest juicy bit of information about someone to our friends, but not about sharing about Jesus. We are in the habit of worrying, complaining and stressing about our trials and tribulations, but not in the habit of praising God for all the many things He does for us. The habit of praising God is one great habit that David had. When everything was looking so dismal in his life, he turned to God. Even when he was on the run in the wilderness from King Saul, David took time to realize that no matter what was going on, God still was his almighty God. Read these words he wrote in Psalm 63 verses 3 through 5 -

“3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.”

His life wasn’t very good at this point and yet he praised God. He said he was satisfied with whatever God allowed. He even praised God “joyfully”. He didn’t let the threat of death, lack of a home, or wilderness location control his view of God. He understood that God still loved him and would take care of things His way.

It is a hard concept to grasp, but when God allows the bad times to come in to our lives it is for our best. This concept should be an encouragement to us. We should therefore praise God even for those bad times and circumstances. Are you in the habit of praising God?

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