Hebrews 13:15 – By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

True praise to God is not simply a reaction to the good in my life.  It is a choice that I make to recognize the Lordship and Sovereignty of God, regardless of the circumstances I face.

Praise lives in the knowledge that God is good, God is love, all the time.

Such praise opens my heart to the power and possibilities that God has for me, even in the direst circumstances.  It allows Him to use me as a vessel of honor for Him.  Praise removes my focus from the problem and places it on the Problem-solver.  Praise frees my spirit to experience joy in sorrow.

I don’t always feel like praising God when I am enmeshed by the troubles of this life.  I choose to praise Who He is and rest in His character, and this often requires me to act in opposition of my feelings.

That is why it is an action of faith, and that is why it is a sacrifice (of my will) that I offer to Him.

What causes you to praise God?