There is a choice you can make today that will make a real difference in life; for you, for others! It does not require much time, needs no money invested, and is not difficult. When you choose to do this thing, it infects people around you with optimism and joy. It can become a habit and when it does, it will make you much more likely to enjoy better health, a wider network of friends, a deeper relationship with the Lord. A person who does this often, sincerely, and with enthusiasm will have enjoy the blessing of God. You want to know what 'it' is?
You're going to laugh because it is so simple. You may be tempted to dismiss it thinking it cannot possibly be that easy! So, should I tell you? Here it is, the wisdom of God.
"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice." (Psalm 34:1-2, NIV)
You and I cannot always choose our situations and circumstances, but we always can choose our response! A person who lives a praise-filled life, centered on God, has a stronger faith, a more joyful outlook, and invites the Lord and others to bless him!
I cannot do a thing about the American economy today, but I can choose to thank God for His promise to provide for all my needs.
I cannot do anything to change my Dad's cancer, but I can choose to love him and to thank God for every moment we get to spend together.
I cannot stop my critics from trying to make my life miserable, but I can thank God that He sees my heart and loves me, in spite of all my flaws!
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." (Psalm 7:17, NIV)
"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." (Psalm 56:4, NIV)
"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." (Psalm 96:1-3, NLT)
If you think I am selling positive thinking, you're missing the point. Optimism is good, but it is not the same as praise. Thinking positively only can carry a person so far. Situations arise which simply defy all attempts we make to put a positive spin on them. But, praise never fails us because real praise is centered on the Person of our God, His promises, and His power to save us! Do not let anyone sell you the folly of praising God for bad things! It's just plain stupid to praise God for cancer, for example, but we can praise God that He can and will use even cancer to accomplish His purposes.
I challenge you, throughout this month of November, which ends with Thanksgiving, to cultivate a spirit of praise. When you're tempted to complain, shut your mouth, pray for a moment, then speak praise to God. Keep it sincere. Insincere praise is a form of profanity! Print this Psalm and read it often, perhaps at the start of everyday. Read it out loud. Praising God will change your life. He guarantees it!
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100, NIV)
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