The gift of praise

Psalm 30:12 KJV — To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Through trials and tribulations, through blessings and abundance, through seasons of change, throughout my days, if I have learned anything it is the gift of praise.

When I’m suffering, I find the greatest comfort in praising God.

Psalm 42:5 KJV — Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

When experiencing unexpected provision, it is a natural response to praise God.

Psalm 69:30 KJV — I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

God’s Word has taught me to seek and praise the Lord in all circumstances, every phase of life.

Psalm 56:4 KJV — In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 56:10 KJV — In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

And it’s truly a great gift.

For through praise, thanksgiving, and worship I find peace.

While praising God, I am reminded of His greatness and faithfulness.

Through praise, I am brought back to a correct perspective.

While praising God, my heart finds security in truth.

Psalm 147:1 KJV — Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Praising the Lord is a gift for all seasons.

May you too find the blessings of the gift of praising our Lord Jesus.

Isaiah 61:11 KJV — For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for teaching me how to praise You in every area of my life. Lord, thank You that when I am afraid, struggling, or in pain I can still praise You. Thank You for helping me find such truth, peace, and joy in praise. Lord, please continue to teach me how to understand Your Word and apply it to my life. Thank You that Your ways are perfect and Your truth is life eternal. Thank You for Your sacrifice which opens the way for our souls to be safe with You. I praise Your holy name, Jesus! May all the earth rejoice in the salvation of our Lord! Amen.

Walking uprightly…

He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. Isaiah 33:15‭-‬16 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.33.15-16.NKJV

As I was reading, these two verses caused me to pause.

I highlighted them, so I could easily return to the passage.

These words are lining out the choices of a man who is living for God. (Can also be applied to women.)

It begins with: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,”.

Psalm 15:1-2 NKJV — A Psalm of David. LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

Scripture is clear, walking in righteousness is following God.

Both Psalm 15 and Isaiah 33 tells that walking in righteousness includes words, those spoken and those thought.

“He who despises the gain of oppressions,” Isaiah 33:15b

“In whose eyes a vile person is despised,” Psalm 15:4

These sentences show us that the righteous doesn’t just ignore the wickedness around them, but despises the abuse of others.

“Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,” Isaiah 33:15b

“Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. ” Psalm 15:5b

Money doesn’t sway the righteous from doing what is correct, nor does the righteous use others to their own gain.

“He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. ” Isaiah 34:16

The righteous are secure in God.

“He who does these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 15:5c

God gives instruction for walking in righteousness.

He promises those who walk in God’s ways to be their safe place, their strong tower.

God wants us to understand what is best for us and His Word is applicable for a lifetime.

Lord , who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who  does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord ; He who  swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things  shall never be moved.
Psalms 15:1‭-‬5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.15.1-5.NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your instruction. Thank You for giving us so much truth and the direction of how to follow You. Lord, You promise that if we shall trust You and obey, that nothing which comes in this life will compare with the joy of eternity with You in heaven. While we walk this Earth, please help us to apply Your Word to our daily living. Please help us to model ourselves after Your example. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your love. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.