Lenten-Meditations-2015-w

Praise
Saturday, February 28, 2015
The Power and Promise of Praise
READ: Psalm 34
KEY VERSES: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be
in my mouth.” -Psalm 34:1 (NKJV)
When trouble seems to be everywhere, praising God is sometimes the
last thing on our minds. The psalmist David invites us to praise the Lord
continually. However, the tension between struggle and celebration can make
that hard to do.
Still, I have found that God responds to praise. When God’s praise is
continually in my mouth, I am encouraged and empowered. My soul is
fortified.
Praise is the overflow of a heart filled with love for who God is and how God
shows up in our lives. That is why I can celebrate during my struggle. I can
rejoice in my infirmities. I can shout, dance and lift up holy hands because my
hope is in the Lord.
When we don’t know how things will work out, praise still should be our
posture. What we do know supersedes what we don’t. We know that the Lord
is good. We know that God is faithful. We know that blessed is the one who
trusts in our God! –Rev. Leslie Copeland-Tune
LOOKING WITHIN: How can I bless the Lord in good times and bad? What
stops me from giving God praise continually?
Dear Lord, thank you for being greater than my circumstances. Help me
to praise you no matter what is going on in my life. For you, O Lord, are
worthy of honor, praise and glory! Amen.
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