Listen

You who are faithful to the Lord, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!

Psalm 30:4-5

Think

Have you ever wondered what people mean when they say to praise God or give God praise? Depending on who you ask, you are going to get a lot of different answers. Some people praise God with loud shouting and dancing. Some people praise God with silent contemplative prayer. Some people use elegant and beautiful language to offer praises to God, while others use simple and plain words. Whatever the case, people find ways to give God praise.

Although it may be hard sometimes to find a reason to praise God, the writer of the psalm encourages the community to praise because God is faithful. Whatever it is you may be facing in your life right now, know that God is faithfully standing with you, offering you a calming presence without judgment or ridicule. If things are good with you, God is still there, rejoicing with you. This God that is with us in good times and not-so-good times is the God who deserves our praise.

James Blay

Question to Ponder:

How are you praising God today?

Pray

With all my heart, O God, I will praise you. Thank you for being present with me as I go through life day by day. Help me remember that you are always there, even when it’s hard to see.

Amen.

Go

Go spread the word. All who are thirsty, all who are yearning for welcome and belonging, all who need to feel loved and experience grace, come to the fountain of Jesus and drink.