Start Your Year in Praise – Part 1

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The Bible enjoins us to praise God in all situations. Whatever was our experience during the past years, whether good or bad, pains or gains, tests or testimonies, sickness or health, we must give thanks to God. 

Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926) wrote the hymn, “Count Your Blessings”. The chorus is especially poignant;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

As we enter into the New Year, it will be good to spend some time to count our blessings through the past months and years. And you will discover that despite the difficulties, trials and temptations, challenges and disappointments, God has granted us countless and unquantifiable blessings.

Why Praise God?

As teenagers, it may be hard to see praise in unfavourable circumstances. We love good times, success, testimonies, victories, abundance, etc, and praise is easy at these times. But then, that is what differentiates the Christian teenager. Life is not a smooth journey. Jesus never said we’d not encounter hardship – He said He’ll see us through them. So, holding on to the promise of God keeps the believing teenager in praise-mode in all times and seasons. However, we need to understand our reasons for praising God.

1.           God deserves our praise. He has given us the gift of life. He is the reason we have breathe at this minute – the air we breathe is FREE. He created us (Psalms 100:3-4) – what a unique manufacturer. Have you looked at yourself lately? Do you know that you are the only ‘spec’ in this whole world? So let us praise Him. For as they say, ‘Where there is life, there is hope’.

2.           God loves us. The Bible tells us that God loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). His love never dies; His mercy never ends; and His grace is infinite (Psalms 100:5, 136:1). He gave us the best gift anyone could have – the salvation of our souls and the hope of eternal life (Colossians 1:12-14). All because of His love!!! Let’s give Him praise.

3.           God has blessed us spiritually. Some of us today can read, study, and meditate on the word of God; we can understand the deeper secrets therein; we can pray and receive answers to our prayer; we have been baptized (by immersion and by the Holy Spirit); and we manifest such other extraordinary gifts beyond that of our peers. So, you should jump up and shout, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

4.           God has blessed us materially. Our wants and needs, as human beings, are insatiable but God has been equal to the task of providing for our necessities (not our excesses). Whatever has sustained us to date has been as a result of divine provision – food, clothing, shelter, good health, protection, etc… and these He has given to us FREELY. So why won’t you praise God, “Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalms 103:5).

5.           God has blessed us with His presence. He is not called Omnipresent for nothing. How many times have you found yourself literally ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’ only to be miraculously rescued? God’s presence comes with His awesome power and you have been a beneficiary through the years. As you sleep and wake up daily, have you any idea the drama that transpires in between? That is why you should, without prompting, give God praise. Psalms 106:2 says, “Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise”? Your answer had better be good!!!

Continues next week by the grace of God…