“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones;
praise from the upright is beautiful.” Psalm 33:1 CSB
Christians are the most blessed human beings in the world. Not because of wealth, riches, status, or any tangible thing, but because we have found a place of rest for our souls through the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through salvation, we find peace, joy, and love. Through Jesus, miracles become our very own. Through Him, we are strengthened, forgiven, restored, and commissioned to spread the gospel. We are privileged and blessed beyond measure. Because of all these things, our praise for God-our admiration and adoration-should come naturally.
A daily portion of every Christian’s life should include the beautiful offering of praise to our Savior. A simple glance around us speaks of His wondrous works. A moment of reflection reminds us of the friends and family who make our lives so much richer. And an honest look at ourselves humbly reminds us of the beautiful Savior that looked beyond our faults and failures, all of our ungodly and sinful ways, and the layers of filth that covered our hearts and minds, to offer us life as a new creation in Him-something we could have never found on our own.
True praise is not an act to demonstrate our adoration of Jesus. However, our overall demeanor and countenance should express celebration of our Lord, without having to say a word, although words will often accompany the depth of gratitude from our hearts.
Praise is being overjoyed, delighted, and very happy about something. Not a momentary excitement that surfaces because of something that has happened in a moment, but an inner joy that resides in our lives each day because of the One we love and serve, and who, in return, has given glorious salvation to a dying world that needs redemption.
Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “…let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Why praise?
Because the sinner needs to know there is hope. The God who has shown us mercy and who has brought us out of a life of hurt and hopelessness wants to offer the same to others who have no hope. We are His mouthpiece! We are the hands and feet of Jesus who carry the message of hope to the world!
Because it should be a natural condition found in the hearts of the grateful and blessed. When we truly appreciate what has been done for us, sincere gratitude will be in our hearts. It needs no prompting to be seen and heard.
Because it is a message to those around us that the God we serve is good and beautiful. Our praise will never let others question our joy and peace. Not artificial words when times are hard, but a peace and calm that others see because we trust in the Lord as He walks with us during our trials.
Because our Savior is worthy! To save us, heal us, deliver us, and love us are all amazing reasons He gives us to praise Him!
Friends, praise is beautiful! It is beautiful on each of us!
Praise looks good on me! Praise looks good on you!
