Apr 02 – PRAISE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES !

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1)

There are two types of praises: Normal Praise and High Praise that exalts and honours God. It is natural and normal for you to praise and thank the Lord, when you have received benefits from the Lord. For example, when you receive a new job offer, or when good things happen to you. It is not a big deal to praise and thank Him when you are showered with all the good blessings.

The High Praise or Glorious Praise is to exalt the Lord even when you go through various trials and sorrows, when you are walking through dark valleys, and when all the circumstances seem to be against you. When you offer such High Praise, God will give you a two-edged sword in your hand (Psalm 149:8). The word of God is that sword, with which you will dispel the power of darkness and slay the enemies. This is a great mystery.

Take for example, the life of Job, who was very devout. One catastrophe after another struck him and he was completely inconsolable. In one single day, he lost all his properties and all his sons and daughters lost their lives in a tragic manner. Not even one child was left alive.

His servants were killed. The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them. The enemies raided and took away all the cattle. Everything was going against him. Even his wife turned against him and said: “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

But in the midst of all this calamity, Job knew the power of Praise. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). He never lost his trust in the Lord. And what was the end result? Because of his praise, he regained all that he lost, double-fold.

Today does everything seems to go against you? Are you afflicted with ill health, joblessness, poverty and indebtedness or finding it difficult to provide even for food for your family? Make a firm resolution in your heart, like Job, to praise the Lord, even amidst such circumstances.

Children of God, whatever you may lose, you should never lose your hope. Realize the importance of praising God and praise Him continually, at all times. That is the way to receive the blessings.

Verse for further meditation: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12)