Worthy of Praise

Dear sister,

To be honest, I have no idea where this letter is going. Sometimes I just have to start typing away before I get a clearer picture of what I’m going to write. So in preparation of writing this letter I did a word study on the word “praise.” (You know how I love words.)

The word “praise” comes from the Latin word meaning “price” or “value.” To praise something is simply to ascribe it worth. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia expands on this definition: “True praise consists in a sincere acknowledgement of a real conviction of worth.”

If we should be convicted that someone or something is of worth, surely God would be at the top of the list. Anything else we may add quickly fades away in comparison with the glory of our God and King, the Creator of the universe. Do you stop to praise God during the day? Do you consider His creation and praise Him for it? Do you meditate on the faithful works He has wrought in your life?

Praising God is not something that I often struggle with. It is but the natural overflow of a heart that meditates on the works and person of God. Just step outside your door and consider the blueness of the sky or the warmth of the sun or the majesty of the trees and immediately you will be filled with awe.

But that’s not to say that there aren’t days when I’m too focused on myself to notice the awesomeness of God’s creation or acknowledge His faithful hand of providence in my life. Sometimes it is hard to praise God when we are in the midst of brokenness and uncertainty.

But when we fail in this duty we rob God of the glory that is due His name and defraud ourselves of the joy that comes from turning our thoughts away from our circumstances and onto our precious Lord Jesus Christ.

I challenge you today, dear sister, that if you are struggling in the valley, if your soul is downcast within you, to take time out to purposefully praise God. Meditate on His goodness and the work of His hands and remember His faithfulness toward you. I assure you, you will find rest for your soul.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Running with joy,

Kayla