Praise His Name

What does it mean to you to "praise God?" I read something this morning that struck me and kind of sharpens the focus a little in the way I'll pray from here on. It said it's telling God "how great He is and why you think so." I should tell Him why I think He's so great. I like that. It's very personal because I have many reasons why I think He's so great.

Now I know some would see this in a negative light, so let me just clarify. We're not encouraged to praise God because He's conceited or egotistical. He's not up there quoting Bette Midler in Beaches saying, "But enough about me, let's talk about you. What do you think of me?"  Nor is He forgetful. He knows full well who He is. He does not need us to remind Him. No, praising Him is for OUR benefit. We need to remember who God is everyday. When days are good, we need to remember that all good things come from God lest we get prideful. When days are bad, we need to remember who He is so we remember why He's the one to go to to get through those bad days. If you need more of God in your life for any reason at all, then by all means, begin by praising Him! Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people.

Praising God focuses our attention and our hearts on Him and that's just how we need to be. So if you'll please excuse me, I'm gonna go get my praise on!

Be blessed!
Melanie