For some time I've been praying that I would come to better understand the concept of praising God and what it really means to do so. For a long time, I think I lumped praise & thanksgiving together. I could understand the concept of "thank you" much easier for some reason.
And yet for some time I've had the sense that praise is different than saying "thank you" and is very important for us to do. I read through the Psalms, specifically looking for examples of praise, but still didn't feel I really understood the concept. Today as I was again praying about this, I was told to look up the word "praise" in the dictionary - so I did. Here is what I found as a definition of praise: "express warm approval or admiration of." Suddenly this seems like a concept I can begin to wrap my brain around.
Yes! I can express admiration of God! There is much I admire!
- I admire His ability to always make the right choice! I want to be more like Him. I know if I listen to His guidance I will make the right choices - but too often I forget! I've seen times just this week where I didn't look to Him for guidance and because of that I made poor choices.
- I admire the way He loves us - despite our many failings, He chooses to lead and guide us and show us His love daily. His love is not a selfish love. No matter what He is dealing with, He gives us His full time and attention - listening to our prayers and responding to us. I want to love others like that! I want to love God like that - to give Him my full attention.
- I admire the way He saves us! He is so powerful, He can effect changes in our bodies and minds that we cannot do for ourselves. For example, despite learning how harmful sugar is in our bodies, I continued to crave it. But when God told me it was time to stop eating it, He took away those cravings! I had told Him that I wanted to obey but wasn't sure I could because the cravings were so strong and that I would need His help if I was to turn away from sugar. I asked for that help and He gave it - immediately! Sugar suddenly lost its appeal! That is such an awesome power! Thank you, God!
Father, I really do admire so many things about you! I am so grateful for the kind of God you are! Thank you for the changes you continue to make in me to help me become more like you. Thank you for the blessings of this day, Father! I love you!
