Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 148 (NRSV)

Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the LORD from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the LORD!

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Reflect

Do you ever just praise the Lord? I know we all praise God when things in our lives go well and we are aware that God is present with us. When was the last time you can remember that you praised God? But why is that important anyway? God knows how we feel, right?

I was middle-aged and on the staff of the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference one year when events made me aware of how little I did praise God. After all, God was with me and God knew my feelings. But I heard in a new way that it was not God that needed me to praise God more, but it was me who needed to praise God more.

At this point in my life, I could not even remember when God had not been part of my life. I valued this relationship and, like we do sometimes with our own family members, I just assumed God would be there when I needed God to be there. But when I started being intentional about praising God all throughout my day, God’s presence seemed to be part of everything I did.

On those days when things just do not work for you, try praising God with every breath you take. No, most of the time, it does not change the situation, but it does bring a wideness and depth to life that makes dealing with the difficulty easier. I always felt God was with me, but with my day filled with praise, God was not only with me but was at work in and around me. Praising God reminds me that it isn’t about having God with me wherever I go, but me following where God is leading me. Without praise in my life, I knew God was there with me as I worked out my life issues, but with praise in my life, God is carrying my life issues and I am empowered to follow as I experience the grace that comes when we surrender to God’s control. Praise God to whom all blessing flow!

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Pray

We praise you, O God, for all you are and all you do! Fill us anew with your abundant love and grace that we may be overflowing with songs of praise to you. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen

Go with God.