Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 43:5 NIV
There’s the encouragement again. The Psalmist directs our hearts where our hearts belong, on the praise and glory and honor of our Savior and God.
Consider for just a moment, your praise time. How are you doing at praising God? Do you praise Him through the hard times of life as well as the good? Do you praise Him when you feel like things are going well in life, as well as when you don’t? Is God still God when He doesn't seem to even be answering your prayers, when you are in a waiting time of life? Is God still worthy of your praise when you don't feel like praising?
God inhabits the praises of His people. God dwells where people delight in Him. If you want to really be close to God, start praising Him. I have a pastor friend who used to say, “If you really want to make God happy, brag on Jesus!” The surest way to the heart of God is through praise.
Next time life starts to get difficult, or you think you’ve lost your way, instead of worrying, start praising! Turn your sorrows into laughter as you reflect on the goodness and glory of God!
Someone once defined peace of God for me as "being fully surrendered to the ultimate will of God". I like that. Praise is a recognition of who God is, accepting His will. That in turn invites the peace that surpasses understanding.
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
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Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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