I have friends who are jubilant right now. I have friends who are not.

I have friends who are celebrating right now. I have friends who are not.

I have friends who see the world as their oyster. I have friends who believe the oyster has spoiled.

I find my direction in Psalm 146.

While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (verse 2)

No matter what, I choose to praise my God. No matter what.

Why?

Psalm 146 gives me numerous reasons. Read it for yourself.

• He is Creator.
• He keeps truth – forever.
• He executes justice for the oppressed.
• He gives food to the hungry.
• He frees the oppressed.
• He opens blinded eyes.
• He encourages the discouraged and heavy laden.
• He loves the righteous.
• He preserves strangers in this world.
• He relieves the fatherless.
• He turns the way of the wicked upside down.
• He reigns forever.

Interesting to note – God uses His people to meet many of the needs above. My praise becomes visible in my service to Him and to His children.

I am not in charge of God’s timetable. I am responsible for placing my hope, all my hope, in Him.

I cannot control what happens in this world. I can control my response.

I choose to praise my God – in word and in deed.

• There are people to feed.
• There is light to be shone.
• There is encouragement to be given.
• There are widows and orphans to care for.
• There is justice to be sought.

I will praise my God.

That is my sacrifice to Him.

Hebrews 13: ¹⁴ For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 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.

Photo – Farmland, Beth Mims