In Philippians Chapter 4 verse 4, Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord. In verse 6 he tells us “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Notice the “in everything” and “with thanksgiving” phrases in this verse. Paul is giving us rich spiritual insight in a very short verse that details how to actually live a life that is pleasing to God.
Do you treat each day with praise?
Do you treat your maker with praise?
Do you treat others with praise?
Do you treat yourself with praise?
Do you treat problems with praise?
These are the 5 questions of praise.
The Day:
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!”
Are our first thoughts upon rising ones of complaint and trepidation at the tasks ahead of us or are they thoughts of gladness that we have been given another day from our Father? Every day, every hour and every moment is a gift from God. Praise Him for the time He has given us and the chance to grow in His love and share Him with one more soul.
Our Maker:
Psalm 63:3 “Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you”
How we address God has much to say about our spiritual condition and maturity. Selfish requests and complaints indicate a “me” focused heart. Praise and thanksgiving indicate a heart turned towards God and an acknowledgement of who God is. Truly recognizing God is to see His greatness, His power, His mercy and His love. It is impossible not to praise God when we truly see Him for who He is.
Others:
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Do the words that come out of our mouths impart grace to those around us? Are we building up the brethren and spreading God’s love to those who hear us? Can the world we live in tell that there is something different about us by the way in which we speak? An attitude of praise in our hearts will naturally cause words of love and life and grace to proceed out of our mouths.
Yourself:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Our ability, our talents, our intelligence and our very life itself come from God. Who are we to disrespect His creation through self doubt and negativity? Such thoughts are lies from Satan! Our worth is proven by God’s love for us as His creation and his redemption of us through Jesus. We often dwell on a mistake or flaw long after God has forgiven and forgotten. Let the past go and let healing begin by seeing yourself as God sees you. You are His child and you are accepted, forgiven and loved forevermore!
Problems:
Finally, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God’s will for us is to thank him for everything. Problems and difficulties and trials are included in this. Thanking God in a difficult situation and really meaning it shifts our focus off of our circumstance and back to God where it belongs. Changing our focus from our circumstances to God and His presence must be practiced and is a mental discipline that is worth the effort.