Don't Hold Back the Praise

Glory to God who reigns over all of the Earth! Glory to God who has accepted us as His own! Glory to our God who continually is working in our lives to clear out the trash that's weighing us down and replacing it with His burdens. God's requests for our lives are made in perfection, forged in Heaven and placed into the willing heart. Having created each one of us, God knows exactly what we're capable of, how much we can handle, and what brings joy into our life. His burdens are designed to help us grow and each one is given to us in love.

What are some of the things you do when you recognize how God has blessed you? Do you sing praises to our Heavenly Father? Do you thank the One who saved you from destruction? Do these praises stay within yourself or do you let them ring out loud, testifying of the love shown to you by our Redeemer?

It's easy to get into a groove of quick, “thanks God”, where it's like giving a high five and then just keep walking on, but how would you feel if that was the response to you saving someone from a burning car or broken marriage? When God's taken the time to form a rescue plan and He successfully implements it to the last detail, how can we just give Him a head nod and just keep walking? True thanks in the honest moments of life brings a closer connection as you realize just how loving and thoughtful our God is to each one of us.

So besides taking an honest moment to thank our Savior, what else can we do? Another sign of a thankful heart is sharing your rescue story with others. Because God has done this great act in your life, rescuing you from certain pain and discouragement, how can you remain silent? How can His acts of love not become apparent in your life? Don't be afraid to shout for joy, to call your spouse or close friend, or to post your story online. Christ has done this marvelous work in your life and it's ok to be overjoyed and share with others. By stepping forward in this, you might just bring someone else to seek out God's rescue plan for themselves. Praise God for His second chances! Praise God for the air we're breathing! His breath brings life and comfort. His arms demonstrate acceptance and commitment. Praise be to our God who never gives up on those that seek His face!

- Thoughts from Psalm 66

encounter: What experience of GOD might you be willing to share with someone?