PRAISE WORTHY SAVIOR
- Key Verse
- "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." (Psalm 34:1)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
The Lord is worthy of never-ending praise.
Reflections
What a declaration - I will highly praise the Lord at all times. Really? Is that how I choose to live my day?
Do I take note of the blessings that surround me?
Do I recognize God's hand in my trials and triumphs?
Do I remember who I used to be and consider the power of my Creator to make me into something new (thank you, Jesus!)?
Do I remember the many times the Holy Spirit has led me and helped me?
As this passage reveals - He delivers, hears, is good, is attentive, is close by, saves, protects, redeems, and provides refuge. Wow!!
There are times throughout the day when I feel overwhelming joy. I am married to a man who loves Jesus and loves me. My day is sprinkled with giggles, hugs, and toothy grins. I am amazed at how my heart can hurt with love for those God has placed in my care. I have a REALife group that is family. I was born into a country that many envy. I have never suffered in the way many in the world do. My needs are met - over and beyond.
On the other hand, I am still being transformed. It is easy to slip into a habit of complaining. In the same day I feel joy, I can quickly feel despair and irritation. I start to focus on what I don't have. How can I battle that?
For starters, I can't forsake my time with God. It has to come FIRST. It can't be just a priority, but a requirement...like brushing my teeth. (In fact, some friends and I decided that if we compare it to brushing our teeth, we can easily remember to carve out a time with God RIGHT AFTER brushing our teeth - in the morning and at night.)
I can also memorize Scripture and write down the many blessings and answered prayers in my life. The more I know Him, the more I have to be thankful for. When despair knocks, I can answer it with praise.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you spent time getting to know Christ? What is one thing you can do daily to know Him more?2. When irritations happen, do you tend to feel sorry for yourself or run to God?
3. What is stopping you from praising God? Unrepented sin? Ignorance of His character? Blindness to His work in your life?
Chip Smith
February 17, 2010 05:38 AM
Excellent log Jennifer! I like your last statement: "When despair knocks, I can answer it with praise." One of the most comforting scriptures to me is, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted...." (verse 18a). We do live in a very blessed world, but we are still not immune to the effects of living in a fallen world. Disappointment and calamity abound as well as our hearts deceive us at times. However, the LORD's mercy is new every morning! That includes today, hallelujah! For me, a cup of hot tea and on cold mornings like today, lighting a roaring fire in the fireplace precede my time with the LORD. Have a blessed time this morning after brushing your teeth :-)
Richard Tinsley
February 17, 2010 06:38 AM
Thank you, Jennifer, for your authenticity and insights. I appreciate your emphasis upon the importance of time invested in relationship with God on a daily basis. I, too, find it very encouraging to make a conscious effort to 'remember' Who God is, His promises from Scripture and what he has done for me and others. Your reflections are a great encouragement and reminder to me to respond to life with gratitude and praise.
Julie Medford
February 17, 2010 07:34 AM
What a great way to tangibly encourage us to priortize Christ and our relationship with Him. What a blessing you are to your family in this. Gotta go brush my teeth.
Thom Kurtz
February 17, 2010 07:47 AM
Thanks for sharing with us today, Jennifer, specially about remembering our Lord with thanksgiving throughout our day, overcoming fears, trials and irritations with joy and peace and love. I am going to spend some time with Him right now on cliffs by the oceans He made for us.
Laura
February 17, 2010 08:09 AM
This has to be my favorite Journey so far...so true and a great great reminder how easy we slip. Now when I brush I will have to go straight to God! Thanks
Jennifer Raulie
February 17, 2010 08:21 AM
Hi Jennifer, It was so encouraging to start my day by reading this passage and your thoughts on it. It was what I needed to hear. Thank you.
Marilyn Dixon
February 17, 2010 09:03 AM
Jennifer, We haven't met (that I recall), but I related so much to you as I read your excellent devotional. I, have 5 children, from age 30 down to 16, whom I homeschooled each at some point during their school years. With many children, there are bound to be trials and struggles, so your reminder to "answer despair with praise" and write down our many blessings and answers to prayer was right on. Thank you for the "brushing teeth" tip, too. :) May God abundantly bless you today.
David Redding
February 17, 2010 12:22 PM
Jennifer, I related to verse 1 as well. What struck me most was that the scripture doesn't say to extol the Lord and praise him, when things are going well. I tend to read it that way, but it does not give us a qualifier. I just got back from Haiti and as I witnessed the Haitian people praising God at the Mission of Hope Church, I was blown away and very convicted. I can think of too many times that my Sunday morning was wrecked by silly things and I got to church with a sour attitude that prohibited me from really lifting praises up to God. As I watched the people of Haiti praise their Lord and Savior with true hearts of gratitude and appreciation, I was blown away. They are not bitter at God for the earthquake or about losing friends and family. They were praising God simply because he is God. Amazing. May I be more like them, everyday.
Heather
February 17, 2010 01:10 PM
"When despair knocks, I can answer it with praise." I love that, and I find it is possible if I'm spending time with our Lord. Thank you!