Praising God is often associated with singing and worship in church, but it goes far beyond that. Praise is about acknowledging God through our actions, deeds, and devotion to Him. Yet, for many of us, praise can feel challenging, especially when our emotions and circumstances weigh us down.
Human praise is deeply tied to feelings. We naturally praise someone when we feel grateful for something tangible they’ve done. But feelings are unreliable—they fluctuate based on our circumstances, relationships, and all manner of worldly influences. If we base our praise of God on how we feel, it becomes inconsistent. The Bible, however, commands us to praise God at all times, not just when we feel like it.
True praise requires detaching it from our feelings. When we face hardships or struggles, our natural inclination might be to blame God rather than praise Him. To overcome this, we must cultivate a heart of praise that is rooted in truth, not emotions.
Start by praying for God to give you a heart of praise. Recognize that He is above all circumstances and feelings. He remains holy and steadfast, regardless of our struggles. Our faith in God is not dependent on our emotions or situations—it is anchored in who He is.
Praise is grounded in truth. The Bible provides countless reasons to praise God, revealing His goodness, power, and faithfulness. If you find it difficult to praise, turn to Scripture. For example, Psalm 113 reminds us to praise God for being high above the nations, yet caring enough to lift the needy out of the dust. Meditate on these truths throughout your day.
Instead of relying on fleeting emotions, let your praise flow from the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Personal gratitude absolutely has its place, when you struggle to find reasons to praise, let Scripture guide you. Praise God for who He is and what He has done. Thank Him for being the One who raises the poor, humbles Himself to be involved in our lives, and reigns high above all creation.
Praise God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) not according to how you feel. As you focus on Him and His Word, you will find that praise becomes a constant in your life, regardless of your circumstances.
Prayer
Lord, I praise You for who You are, not for how I feel. Help me to fix my heart on Your unchanging truth and to glorify You in every season of life. Thank You for being high above all creation and yet caring deeply for me. Teach me to humble myself, to place You above all things, and to praise You continually. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!" — Psalm 113:3
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