Praise Not Panic
CHOOSING PRAISE INSTEAD OF PANIC
There are so many things that could cause us to panic and turn our thoughts to our circumstances:
Gas Prices
Food Prices
Vacation Prices
EVERYTHING PRICES
However, each of us has a choice of what we are going to do in the moments we feel like everything, or nothing, is going right.
David, in Psalm 145, reminds us that God, no matter what is going on around us, is STILL worthy of praise. So I thought I would share with you what he wrote...just in case you need a bit of reminding.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. 10 All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. 11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. 14 The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
BOTTOM LINE
Don't panic. PRAISE. Praise your heavenly Father who:
Is great and worthy of praise (v. 3)
Is gracious and compassionate (v. 8)
Is good to all (v. 9)
Is trustworthy and faithful (v. 13)
Uphold and lifts up (v. 14)
Opens his hand and satisfies (v. 16)
Is righteous (v. 17)
Is near to all (v. 18)
Fulfills, hears, and delivers (v. 19)
Watches over all (v. 20)
Let every creature praise his holy name. Forever. And Ever!
Let's pray.
God, I don't want to panic. I want to live a life of praise to You - for who You are and all You have done and continue to do. Help me to find peace in this crazy world and rest in knowing You love me. Thank you, God. I praise your name today and every day. In Jesus' name, amen!
COMMENT BELOW:
What do you want to praise God for? Which action of God (in Psalm 145) brings you the most comfort?