Praise the Lord! Within those three words is the powerful beginning and foundation of a blessed life. It starts with knowing who God is and praising Him.
Praise is always a starting point. It means thankfulness – that is why we give thanks before a meal and start church with songs of praise. Jesus began to thank God before Lazarus was raised from the dead, and Moses praised God before He parted the Red Sea. Human nature likes to wait until after an answer is received, but blessing begins with praise.
The Word of God tells us to, ‘Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4). Yet praising the Lord is not limited to singing a few songs once a week in a church service. Worship is a lifestyle that embraces the entire spectrum of life. You can praise God at any hour of the day, seven days a week – in the car, in the shower or in the middle of night. It isn’t about singing a particular hymn or reciting a prayer – it’s about a relationship with your Heavenly Father who loves and cares for you.
People have different ideas of what God is like and they communicate with Him according to their perception. Those who think He is rigid and austere keep their distance. Others who see Him as formal and stiff, usually approach Him in the same way. Yet those who know Him as Father and Friend enjoy the blessing of a close, intimate relationship with Him – where you can call on Him any time.
No matter what situation you may be in, you are not alone. Circumstances begin to turn around when you start praising God. Not only does it put Him in focus, but it causes you to see things from a whole new perspective. When He becomes the focus of your life, things begin to change for the better.
