From The Desk of:

Lips Are Meant for Praise

The Psalmist said, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad” (Psalm 34:1-2). It would be negligent not to take the opportunity to give God the credit He deserves since He does deliver. Celebrities tend to thank Him when they receive an award. That is an honorable thing to do; however, never think that a prize or honor must be given to us before we praise God. There is always a build-up of blessings before your goals are achieved and prayers are answered that can easily be overlooked. Try not to ignore them, for they are still blessings that encourage and strengthen you. That means during my days of frustration, confusion, and pain; praise should have been on my lips for God getting me through my storm.  That is why God’s praise must be continually on our lips.

 David said as he praised and made his boast in the Lord, “the humble (poor, needy, afflicted, weak) shall hear of it and in the Lord be glad (Psalm 34:2). As David told people, the Lord did it or was responsible for his victories, those who were afflicted would obtain hope and hope makes the soul glad as we envision our future with God in this life and the next.

 The Psalmist’s praise for God positively impacted the listeners like Paul and Silas’ praises to God had on the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:25-34). God’s praise being continuously on our lips is an acknowledgment that we are with God for the long haul. Praise God when we are high, and praise God when we are low. This praise is what God desires; it helps stir us up and lifts the listener of that praise that might be low.

  God has so graciously planted us in each other’s lives. This good character God is forming within us allows us to be helpful to those who need us. We let them know that God did it or helped them. Like Ananias told Paul, “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). Being there for people and letting them know who is helping them allows us to have favor among people as we praise God. With that combination, you know what God is going to do. “Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).          ©2/25/2023 Courtney Henderson

Courtney Henderson