17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

We live in a world that loves praise. It is always a boost to our ego to receive praise for our efforts. We praise our favorite sports team or person. We praise entertainers. We praise political parties and their members (when we agree with them). The reason for all this praise is because we esteem their actions, their abilities, their ideals and we want others to know. How much do we praise God and his mighty works?

As we begin to compare all that mankind has accomplished in any area, it pales rapidly against just one act of God. When Job was feeling pretty good about himself and was asking God to face him, God responded by asking him questions. God asked; where were you when I created the world and all that is in it? Which of us can provide food for all the animals of the wild? Who among mankind can stop the waters of the ocean as they swell? The best we can hope to do is find out what God already knows because it is a part of his creation. Our best abilities are given at his bidding.

And yet, God in all his greatness, all his splendor, above all else in existence, is not some egotistical or selfish being who demands praise to make himself feel good. God is jealous and rightly so. He made us and has provided all we need and therefore expects us to thank him and praise him. The greatest praise and honor we can give is to humbly submit to his will for our lives. We can show respect for God by learning his word and living it. We emulate his nature as we allow him to make it our very own by giving his Holy Spirit free reign in our hearts. We need to praise God verbally. We need to praise him by sharing the gospel of his Son with others. We praise him by showing his love to those around us. Jesus said that we are to let our light shine so that others will see our good works and glorify (praise) our Father who is in heaven. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

O God, as I see what I really am and I begin to get a glimpse of you, I stand in awe and realize that I am but a worm and worthless. Yet, I know that in your love and grace you have given your special Son to die for my sin. I thank you and praise you! Fill me with your Spirit so that I will be more like you every day and bring glory to you in my life. Thank you for the assurance that you always hear my cry and that are faithful to respond. In Jesus’ name.

May God bless each of us as we live for him and praise him today.