Who Is The Focus Of Your Praise?

Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:24-26, NIV)

I was watching football this afternoon and one of the players made a great catch and ran through four defenders to the 2-yard line, which lead to a touchdown two plays later. The player promptly knelt and then pointed upwards and gave thanks to God for enabling him to make such a great play.

I had a quiet stirring in my spirit. It happens when God is trying to say something to me. I turned down the game and gave my attention to the Holy Spirit and immediately He showed me a principle I’d like to share now with you.

God enjoys when His people praise Him for their accomplishments. It shows a level of appreciation for the blessings He has bestowed, and even a dependence upon Him that gave you the blessings.

I read of another football player this week that, after dropping a crucial pass that would have won the game for his team, wrote on his Twitter-"God, I stick up for you!  Why would you do me like that?"

There is also a subtle, yet real danger in only praising God when something good happens. It's a trap of the so-called "Prosperity Gospel" (which isn't a Gospel at all).

God is worthy of our praise at all times, "good" and "bad". Praise that only comes during good or triumphant times is, at its center, focused on what is happening with us and not with the Glory of God.  In those circumstances, our praise is not God focused, but is dependant and focused primarily on us.  Praise that is not completely focused on God and His character is tainted, and is therefore unbecoming of a gift that is worthy of a Soveriegn King.

A shallow and immature faith will praise God during the good times, and doubt or accuse Him of being uncaring during the bad times. A correct and mature view of God understands Him for who He is- the mighty and sovereign ruler of all that was, is, or ever shall be.

The Apostle Paul gives us the correct view of God with this promise in Romans-

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28-29 NIV)

Take a moment and ask yourself what your view of God is- is it only centered on you and how He is blessing you, or is it focused on who God is at all times?

Your circumstances do not change or affect Him! God is good, all the time, and all the time God is good! Even in the “bad” times, if you yield and focus on God, His love and mercy will shape you into the image of His Son. The callus’ formed by self-focus will fall off, and all that remains will be a vessel worthy of God that sings a heavenly chorus of His goodness.

Trust God and praise Him at all times, because He is worthy of it!

Love and blessings,