The Essence of Praise

Introduction

In our day to day dealing with ourselves, thanksgiving and praises are considered very important especially when we receive any help from anyone. This show of appreciation usually acts as impetus to receiving similar assistance or gifts in future. We as Christians should know that God who is our father loves us even more than our earthly father does. The only thing we can do in order to show our appreciation is by praising HIM no matter the circumstances that come on our way. We must cultivate the habit of praising God and thanking HIM all the days of our lives. The first principle a Christian should learn, should be how to develop the habit of praising God (Psalms 105:1-3).

A.     Why should we praise God?

If we want our lives to be full of miracles and wonders, it is necessary for us to know that the formula is in praising God.

·         The attributes of God are sufficient reasons for us to praise HIM. That is one reason the angels praise God continuously (Isaiah 6:3).

·         God’s holiness is linked with his glory. He is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders (Exodus 15:11).

·          When we praise God, we have victories over our enemies (Psalms 18:3).

·         We should praise God for HIS goodness and HIS wonderful works (Psalms 107:8)

·          if we praise God, He will take note and this will gladden his heart (Psalms 22:3).

·         God is righteous and HIS righteousness demands that we should praise HIM (Psalms 7:17).

·         God is a jealous God and HIS jealousy demands that we must show HIS sovereignty over all things by praising HIM (Exodus 34:14).

·         He is the only one and demands for HIMSELF alone worship and praises to which He has a right (Exodus 20:3-4).

·         Praise is an acceptable sacrifice before God (Hebrew 13:15).

B.     Acceptable Praise

Even though God is universal for all mankind, yet He accepts praise from those who draw near to HIM in holiness and repentance (James 4:8; Psalms 24:3-5). To offer an acceptable praise to God, it is necessary to be a child of God. We must confess our sins to God and repent from them (1 John 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5: 17). It is after this that your sacrifice of praise can be acceptable to God.

Conclusion

Praising God is the only thing we can do for HIM. It is an inevitable aspect of worshipping God.

My take on this that God inhabit the praises of his people. It is very ideal to give thanks always to God as it is the only thing God eats.

Source:  The Redeemed Christian Church of God Sunday School Manual written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

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