Our path isn't likely to be one long, unbroken road. Realistically
speaking, the road of our lives is bound to be filled with setbacks:
- Potholes
- Speed bumps
- Uneven pavement
- Detours
- Holdups due to construction
- Delays due to motor vehicle accidents
In fact,
these conditions describe some of the streets in my neighborhood right now;
there’s no avoiding them.
It’s clear
that we cannot always control our lives any more than we can always control our
streets. Sorry, A-type personalities, that’s just the way it is.
So, what’s
the alternative to throwing a temper tantrum, or going into a depression, every
time things don’t go our way? Praise,
or gratitude to God.
Why does
praise work? It takes the focus off our limited selves and sends it upwards. It
points our mind to our perfect Creator.
Such an
attitude gives us a more healthy perspective on our problems. Most mental
illness derives from too much of an inward focus, which messes up our thinking.
A Living Example of the Effects of
Praise
Carol Graham is a close online friend and mentor I’ve
mentioned in previous posts. Her whole life, beginning with her childhood, has
been a brilliant illustration of overcoming tremendous trials. She has faith, a
relentlessly positive outlook, and determination. Please see her always
inspirational, often funny, blog here.
She allows
nothing and nobody to stand in the way of her success. If she believes
something is supposed to happen, she tracks down the method like a bloodhound.
One of the
main ways she presses through to her goals is praise. Here are some of her
wonderful thoughts on the subject:
How to Praise
Use Scripture, then you know you are being heard.
Find Scriptures praising God for who he is—changes our focus—pray those
scriptures. EX: Father, your Word tells me that “me and my household shall
serve you.” I thank you for that word, and I stand on that word as truth.
Why to Praise
The Bible is very clear that God ONLY responds to
praise and faith—pretty easy for us when you think about it. But we, as humans,
like to whine and beg and cry because that is what we are comfortable with.
When I first broke out of that pattern when I was dying, I would lie on the
sofa in excruciating pain and thank God that he alone is my healer and I
praised him for that. I praised him for making me and for fixing me. And so
forth…
The subject of praise has more scripture devoted to
it than any other subject in the Bible. Praise has been pivotal in my life
turning me from sickness and near death to health and life! It is the
understanding of praise that will make the difference in your life as well.
When we read the scriptures out loud that praise
God, we are reading His thoughts and we are in line with His Word. Our Praise
is Word based. Many of us do not have a grasp on what praise is or how to
express it. Understanding praise will turn your life around.
Why Praise Works
If you begin your day with praise and maintain an
attitude of praise throughout the day, it gives God something to work with on
your behalf. It takes the focus off of us and our problems and places it where
it belongs—with God. He is the One to be praised and He is the one who fights
our battles. When we try to fight our own battles and carry the burden of it
all, it is difficult to get into the praise mode.
As you begin to praise God, you do spiritual warfare
with new strength and ready to take on any threatening situation. AND IT BRINGS YOU OUT OF THE DEPRESSED
STATE.
When you pray the answer instead of the problem, it
is a form of praise and thanksgiving. You are giving your heavenly father ‘something’
to work with. Whatever you need in your life; health, prosperity, salvation for
family—find the promises in the Word and thank God in advance for what He is
about to do. It will change your attitude and put you in a place to receive every
blessing He wants to give you.
My
Conclusion
Praise is the way to lift ourselves out of the pit of
darkness. Psalm 31 (KJV) gives us some examples:
3. “For thou art my rock and my fortress…”
7. “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy; for thou hast
considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities.”
19. “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up
for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee…”
Have you shown praise lately?
