“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15, NIV).
Praise. It is my sacrifice and my offering to God. It is that very
instance, when in my most difficult circumstance, distress is calmed and there
is a hope for peace. Praise dispels worry, and confusion changes into clarity.
Praise will ultimately dispel fear of the unknown, and bring His peace and joy.
In praise I am changed. No matter how difficult my
problems or my circumstance–no matter how fearful the thought–praise changes my
outlook. Praise in the midst of hardship breaks down inner walls. Praise in the
midst of fear releases faith. When things are hard—when fear persists—when
problems overwhelm, I will seek reasons to be thankful. I will seek to realize
His blessings that slip by unobserved. The gift of thanksgiving in my heart—no
matter what is going on in my life—is my sacrifice of praise.
Giving God a sacrifice of praise is a mental decision
that I will praise Him no matter how I feel. I will discipline myself to praise
Him. And one day that sacrifice of praise will no longer be a sacrifice. It will
come from a heart that believes He is faithful. My heart and mind shall no
longer focus on my pain, or on my fear, but on His faithfulness and His
blessings. And then there will peace.
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