Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord in all seasons because He is worthy to be praised. Life challenges, uncomfortable situations, or barriers between you and your blessing should not hinder you from praising God. As you reflect on your life, think of personal reasons that you have to praise Him. How often do you erupt into unsolicited praise? Do you have to have a cheer leader to lead you in praise? Do you have to be in a specific place? When your spirit tells you to praise, do you always obey? If you refuse to obey, is it for any of the following reasons?
- Ashamed
- Wrong place or wrong time
- Concerned about what others will say
- Don’t have time – too busy
- Hesitant about open praise
- Unsure if God will receive your praise
- You have not received an answer to an issue you have been praying about for a long time (could be a wayward child, debt, sickness, jobless, unfaithful spouse, friend who betrayed your trust, etc.)
- Don’t know how to praise because never praised God before.
The incomplete list above can be placed in one of three categories. They are refusing to praise because of ignorance of the benefits of praise, intimidation and lack of a close personal relationship with God.
A close personal relationship with God affirms to us that His joy is our strength and that praise is a great stress reliever. Praise stills the enemy and is a conduit to release our faith. God inhabits the praises of His people to speak to us in His still small voice to direct and deliver as needed. Learn the types, benefits and power of praise in my book “Equipped to Enjoy Life’s Journey” pages 75-80. View the book trailer at www.surporasparksthomas.com
Copyright ©2014 by Surpora Sparks-Thomas
