Feb 22 – In the Midst of Praise!

“But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)

Heaven is filled with praise. There, the presence of God is manifested without limit. On earth, wherever people praise the Lord with their whole heart, the God of heaven descends into their midst. Those who praise Him experience the presence of heaven even while living on this earth. Therefore, be determined to preserve the presence of God within you at all times.

A man of God once said, “Practice the presence of God just as you cultivate a crop.” Farmers do many things to ensure that their crop grows well. They fence the field, prepare the soil, plow the land, sow the seed, water it, remove weeds, apply manure, spray pesticides, and watch over the crop carefully. In the same way, we must intentionally practice the presence of God. Praise and thanksgiving are tools that bring God’s presence into our midst.

Praise is the act of glorifying the Lord. Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude for the good things God has done. Praise and thanksgiving are like the two wings of a bird. Through praise and thanksgiving, we enter into God’s presence. We walk with Him in the heavenly places and rejoice in the sweetness of His presence.

King David, who practiced the presence of God in his life, says: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.” (Psalm 34:1–2)

You may ask, “Is it possible to praise the Lord at all times?” Those who constantly live in the awareness of God’s presence will always praise Him. God created us for this very purpose—to praise Him. His expectation is clearly stated: “This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.” (Isaiah 43:21)

In heaven, praise is continually offered without interruption. Should not God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven?

King David faced many troubling and confusing situations in his life. Yet, even in the midst of them, he declares: “O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.” (Psalm 42:6)

Beloved children of God, no matter where you are on this earth, and no matter what situation you are in, never forget to praise the Lord.

Verse for further meditation: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)