Throughout scripture, God is very insistent about praise. I suspect we have much to learn about the amazing, mysterious power of this humble activity. When we praise we seem to be acknowledging His supremacy and authority in our lives. Through praise we are stating that we are weak and He is strong. Praise makes room in our hearts for God's will to be done, and recognizes the absurdity of any attempt to manipulate God in prayer. He is sovereign. This awesome Creator, who loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us that we might have a place in His family, deserves our adoration and praise. His love for us is outrageous, beyond comprehension..

There is something special about people who praise. They have a bright light in their eyes that reflects something beyond themselves. People of praise are people of faith. Their very lives state to the world that they trust their loving heavenly Father, know He intends goodness for His children, and expect extravagant answers to prayer.

The very "sacrifice" of praise - working at it when we don't feel like it - draws us into the presence of the Lord. People of praise discover that this action of the heart, the mind (and sometimes just the will) is very healthy for body, mind and spirit. Praise draws us into a healthy mental attitude. Praise increases our capacity to live and grow in love and holiness. Praise draws us into the abundant life in which God created us to live. Let us praise God in all things!