The athletes are poised to start the event. The starting gun is heard, and off they go.
Praise can be our starting gun. Every morning. Every day. Beginning with praise can change the trajectory of our daily walk.
Praise starts in our minds and hearts, marinates in our spirits and is spoken from our lips. It blesses us AND others! “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45).
Praise rouses from the bed of discouragement. “Be courageous. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Praise lifts our head from huddling in sorrow. “I will turn their mourning into joy” (Jeremiah 31:13).
Praise comforts in grief’s lonely isolation. “…when you pass through the waters, you will not be alone” (Isaiah 43:2).
Praise enlightens from the darkness of deception. “…whoever follows me, will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Praise exalts HIM when trouble comes knocking. “God is our…ever present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Praise redirects us to God’s impeccable character. “The Lord is the everlasting God – Creator of the ends of the earth; He does not faint or grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28).
Praise enlarges our faith when our field of vision is full of Jesus and His goodness, instead of our circumstances. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20).
Praise is a beautiful garment to clothe us – our FIRST choice because it IS a choice. Praise is also fragrant. No stinky regretful duds or smelly complaining outfits.
“God inhabits the praise of His people” (Psalm 22:3). His presence in our praise is sweet in an ugly world.
Instead of our morning alarm, let’s first hear the starting gun and put on PRAISE!
Vickie Richey
~Christ Fellowship