Daily Devotional - Discipleship - WK40 - 10/1/24 - Day 254 "Praise is What I Do"

Author: Evangelist Jamie Hoffman

“Praise is What I Do!”
Scripture: Hebrews 13:15

“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...”

Devotion:
William Murphy sang a simple but powerful song entitled "Praise is What I Do" that, at one point, every praise and worship team and choir sang everywhere. I believe the song was so popular because it was so true. Giving praise to God is what we were created to do. It is an outward expression we show to acknowledge God’s goodness to us. Throughout my childhood, I used to be embarrassed because my mother would always be up shouting in church every chance she got. She would even have praying and praising sessions with us at home.

When a friend visited, they had to join us as well. I just didn't understand her praise. It didn't matter what was going on in her life, she would praise God. She would praise Him when bills were due. She would praise Him while she worked two jobs to provide for us. She would praise Him after car accidents, through sickness, and loss. You see, she had learned the power of praising God through her pain. She praised God until we came out of poverty. She praised God until all six of her children went to college. She praised God until all six of her children gave their lives to God. She praised God until five of her children were called to ministry. And, yes, she is still praising God today. I didn’t understand her praise back then, but I definitely understand it now. The more I praise and acknowledge God, the better I feel. When we praise God, we are giving Him the honor that is due to Him. We have to praise God through the good and the bad.

We have to praise God, whether we are happy or sad. GOD is bigger than our problems. GOD is bigger than our circumstances. I don’t know what you are going through today, but I dare you to just begin to open up your mouth and cry out from your belly a praise that will shake the very foundation of your situation to let God know that you trust Him! Praise is what we do!

Prayer: 
Lord, we praise and magnify Your holy name. We thank You God, for Your goodness and mercy toward us. Help us continue to give You the praise, glory, and honor that belongs to You. Amen.