IT"S AMAZING WHAT PRAISING CAN DO
- Key Verse
- "For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise." (Psalm 47:7)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Praising God is the greatest way to KNOW HIM because our hearts respond to HIS CHARACTER and WHO HE IS.
Reflections
Many years ago I attended a conference that I will never forget. Our focus throughout the week was on confession, repentance and PRAISE. We learned a little song that I have been singing ever since:It’s Amazing What Praising Can Do
It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah!
I don't worry when things go wrong, Jesus fills my life with a song.
It's amazing what praising can do, Hallelujah !
Psalm 47 mentions the word praise five times. I love how verses 1-4 capture the joy of worship. In these four verses we see joy in God's character, in His reign, in the power of His gospel and in His favor toward us as His saints. Even as I write this, I realize how often I have not lived by this little song or by the truth of these verses. In my spiritual journey I have often said to the Lord, "I don't feel like I really understand WHO YOU ARE but I want to KNOW YOU."
In the spring of 2007 we were faced with our greatest trial yet as Stuart went through a cancer diagnosis.* During this time we felt desperate for God and began a journal of all the ways we saw Him provide for us during this dark time in our lives. One of our highlights was going walking and praising Him for His creation and the way He met us there. As we practice praising Him we can respond and say to Him what is true, " YOU ARE King of all the earth. YOU ARE awesome and greatly exalted. YOU ARE powerful and above all nations. YOU reign." I have heard it said that worship is not an effort to get God with us. It is a celebration of the fact that He is with us. This was accomplished 2000 years ago on the cross.
Discussion Questions
1. Even if you don't know the tune, focus on the words of the little song above. I promise you it has "stuck" in my head for 27 years and the message is always a great reminder to me of the power of praise.
2. If you had the opportunity to tell someone about God's character and why you can trust Him, how would you describe Him?
3. What does it look like for God to be King of all the earth? And King of your life today?
4. Spend some unhurried time praising Him through Psalm 47. Sometimes it is helpful to talk out loud and kneel or lift your hands before Him.
Cheryl White
May 5, 2010 04:43 AM
Were we in the same conference? Was it Jack Taylor that taught the song? Once it is in your head, the tune/words never go away. And that is a good thing! We always need to be reminded that it truly is amazing what praising God can do!
Terry Melle
May 5, 2010 05:25 AM
Carol, thanks for reminding us of the importance of praise, and that it has very practical benefits, daily. Jesus first expressed praise when he taught his disciples to pray.
Kiim Mozejko
May 5, 2010 06:31 AM
Hi Carol, I got up this morning feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is going on in my life. Your message reminded me that I need to look to the Lord, sing his praises and know that HE is in control. I can identify with what you said about not really understanding God but wanting to know Him, my same experience. You have allot to celebrate and praise God for. Glad the cancer is gone, 50 is no biggie and 25 yrs is awesome.
randy
May 5, 2010 07:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPnjBSHM8hw
Kathy Duncan
May 5, 2010 07:30 AM
Carol, thank you, thank you. You have spoken to my heart needs recently- you are a wonderful woman, devoted to Jesus and I love you so!
Karen Molleur
May 5, 2010 08:12 AM
Carol, what a blessing this was to read today! I miss seeing you but what a joy to get to still be connected to you and your wisdom. May God continue to bless you and your family
Cindy Hawks
May 5, 2010 08:21 AM
Hey Dear Friend! Thanks for such an encouraging devo today! It really is that simple AND powerful, isn't it! Thanks too for your authentic walk with God as an example to me all these years, through the dark times and the times of celebration . . . all trusting and praising God. Love you!
Laurie Carlson
May 5, 2010 10:02 AM
Thanks Carol, in God's timing this devotional is published the day we say our earthly goodbyes to our dear friend Rebecca. As you so rightly state in your devotional it is amazing what praising can do. Well Rebecca modeled full contact praising with arms held high, through good and bad times, like you! Now she is praising her Lord and Savior face to face!
Ann LaLanne
May 5, 2010 01:04 PM
It was great to see you today Carol! God's timing is amazing isn't it that your devotion was published today...as we praise God for the life of our friend and sister in Christ, Rebecca. I know she is with Jesus with hands held high praising HIM as she did so wonderfully here on earth. Thank you for the reminder!!
Judy Miller
May 5, 2010 04:43 PM
Great devotional, Carol. It is amazing when we focus on God and His goodness how our perspective changes. Reflecting on the attributes of God leads to praise to God.
Tim Hawks
May 6, 2010 11:22 AM
Carol, thanks (enough said)!
myra
May 6, 2010 02:12 PM
Celebrating with you on three, count them 1...2...3... years cancer free!
Cathy Yazdi
May 7, 2010 02:18 PM
Great job, my good friend!!
Rob White
May 7, 2010 10:06 PM
Carol, I am running a couple of days behind...but this one was worth the wait. Thank you for sharing. I could just picture you actually saying those words from your usual spot at RLG. Your words are a blessing. We are still celebrating Stuart's 3-year results and I know that your are as well. Praise the Lord! Rob