Why Should a Believer Praise God?

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart. (Psalm 34:1,2 NLT)

What’s your usual response when discouragement and fear strike?

I’ve done all of the above.

Discouragement and fear affect different people in different ways. Regardless, God’s given us a weapon to break its grip.

That weapon is praise.

“Praise is an adventure—an empowering adventure,” writes Michael Youssef in his book Empowered by Praise. “Praise is more than an obligation, more than a spiritual exercise. Praise is the path that brings us near to God and His love, His power, and His grace.”

How does praise become a path that draws us near to God? It shifts our focus from our problems to His character. It verbalizes our trust in who He is and His ability to rescue and restore us. With our words, we draw near to Him, and He responds by drawing near to us.

Burdens lighten when we express gratitude to God for being our source of strength.

Sorrow eases when we recognize Him as our comforter.

Confusion fades when we acknowledge Him as our source of wisdom.

Joy increases when we hail Him for His unfailing love and faithfulness.

“You who fear the LORD, praise him!” says the psalmist (Psalm 22:23)

That’s easy when life’s going well. Not so much when life takes an unexpected and unwelcome detour. But that’s when we need to do it most. And that’s often when we see God work in amazing ways in response to our cry for help.

Adapted from Morning Moments With God: Devotions for the Busy Woman (Harvest House, 2014). Used with permission.