Why There Is So Much “Praise” In This Prayer

Jan Smith

Why All The “Praise”? Because God loves it! The Bible says:

“But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
(Psalm 22:3)

In the days of the Old Testament when that passage was written, God had a covenant with the people of Israel. When they praised God, it so pleased Him that the Psalmist says He inhabited the praises of His people.

Today, the covenant is with the followers of Jesus. When we praise God, He dwells in our praises. We enter into an intimate relationship with God. He is “Enthroned in our praises”. In other words, speaking words of Praise brings God into the center of your life.

Praising God when we’re under difficult circumstances is a test of our faith as well. Psalm 34:1 says,

“I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1)

I don’t see much of any “wiggle room” in the words “at all times” and “always”. Being able to praise God even in the face of adversity is one of the things that identifies a true Christisn.

The apostle James certainly knew all about that when he wrote:

“ 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3)

I’ve noticed that as I determine to praise God no matter what the circumstances are, the more quickly joy comes back into the center of my life. It’s supernatural. Here’s why:

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3)

Stay focused on God. Keep giving Him the praise He deserves, and He’ll keep you in perfect peace. You have His Word on it!

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