A SEASON OF PRAISE.
Anchor Scripture:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”__Psalm 100:4-5 (NKJV).
This month, our focus is on cultivating a spirit of praise in every aspect of our lives. No matter the challenges we face, there’s always something to be thankful for. Let’s journey together as we explore ways to keep our hearts full of praise and our eyes fixed on the goodness around us. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 28:7.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But, in the midst of the chaos, there is a simple, yet profound practice that can transform our perspective: gratitude. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings of God in our lives, we open our hearts to a deeper sense of joy and peace. Psalm 107:1, Psalm 7:17.
It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have; from the burdens to the blessings. It helps us to see the world through a lens of abundance and grace. This month, let’s make a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude in our lives. Psalm 118:24, Ecclesiastes 3:12.
A notable example of a man who praised God in the midst of trouble is Job in the Book of Job. Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lost everything: his children, wealth, and health. Despite these severe trials, Job refused to curse God. Instead, he maintained his faith and worshipped God, saying, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Throughout his immense suffering, Job continued to praise God, ultimately leading to his restoration and blessings far greater than what he had lost.
When life challenges come along, find hope and strength through a season of praise. Choose to focus on your blessings rather than the struggles. Finding solace in daily prayer and worship helps to bring us to a place of peace and a deeper trust in God’s plan. Psalm 145:18, Philippians 4:7.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Praise Daily:
1. Morning Gratitude: Start your day with a few minutes of gratitude. Reflect on three things you’re thankful for and offer a prayer of thanks. Psalm 143:8, Psalm 3:5.
2. Praise Breaks: Take short breaks throughout your day to praise God. Listen to a worship song, read a psalm, or simply thank God for His presence in your life. Psalm 119:164, Psalm 71:8.
3. Gratitude Jar/Notes: Keep a jar/note where you can drop in notes/write of things you’re grateful for. At the end of July, read through them and reflect on God’s goodness. 1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 9:1.
As we journey through this month, let’s keep our hearts responsive to the many ways we can praise God. May our lives be a testament to His love and grace. Keep praising!
Grace and peace is multiplied unto you.