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
www.dcerccg.org