Text: Psalm 113:1–9
Our God deserves to be praised all through our lives, irrespective of our circumstances. Gratitude flows from the hearts of all those who have experienced salvation from the Lord. They express it through love, loyalty, righteousness, thanksgiving, and a firm resolve to obey the Lord.
The Power of Consistent Praise
In order to appreciate God deeply, we should always offer songs of praise to Him—just as the Psalmist did.
“Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.” – Psalm 119:164
This reminds us that God desires us to appreciate Him for His innumerable benefits over our lives. We should sing praises and choruses for His glory always.
What Shall We Render to God?
Like the Psalmist asked in Psalm 116:12: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”
The answer follows:
Verse 13 – “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.”
Verse 14 – “I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people.”
Also echoed in Psalm 35:18
Don’t Forget Your Vows
Many times, we forget to praise God—especially in difficult times. We pray earnestly using Psalms like Psalm 35, which is good. But often, we forget the vows we made in the heat of prayer—vows we must fulfill. Therefore, it’s important for believers to emulate the Psalmist who said: “Seven times a day will I praise Thee, O Lord.” With God, all things are possible. He wants us to praise Him without ceasing.
Our Covenant-Keeping God
God said: “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” It is because He is our covenant-keeping God that we are alive today. He keeps watching over us, despite our flaws. When we praise Him, we are ready for more blessings, because “He inhabits the praises of His people.” – Psalm 22:3
Praise Through Every Circumstance
Whatever the situation or circumstance—pleasant or not—we should always praise God for His goodness. In terrible conditions, remember: He is a covenant-keeping God who will never forsake us. As He promised in Isaiah 43:1–3, “I will be with you always.”
Praise Brings Breakthrough
Remember Paul and Silas. Though imprisoned for the Gospel, they praised God and forgot their problems. Suddenly, deliverance came — Acts 16:25–26
A Testimony: “Praise God for Me”
There was once a young university student nicknamed “Praise God for Me.” He failed his final exams and couldn’t graduate with his mates. While others were doing NYSC, he was still studying. People mocked him and were embarrassed for him. Yet, he continued to praise God and answer to his nickname — “Praise God for me!” Eventually, he graduated with good results. Not only that:
– He gained financial breakthrough
– His studies opened doors to earn as he learned
– After NYSC, he bought a brand-new car for his wedding — something his mates couldn’t do
His success was the fruit of consistent praise!
Praise: A Commanded Sacrifice
Let us remember that praise and thanksgiving are commanded by Scripture and are the only way to appease the Lord.
“Rejoice in the Lord always… In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving…” – Philippians 4:4–6
God is ever ready to see us full of praise and worship. By this, He will continue to bless us and show compassion.
Final Exhortation
Above all, let us cast our burdens upon Him, for He cares for us – 1 Peter 5:7
Let’s continually praise Him, for He desires and deserves our praises.
“By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” – Hebrews 13:15
God bless you.
– Pst. T.J. Oluwadamilare