7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and maidens, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 14 He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.

As we come again to the subject of praising God, we can never give it too much emphasis. As we read the Revelation, we see the heavenly beings and those glorified saints surround the throne of God, forever giving praise to his name. If in eternity, in the presence of God, all will give him praise, how much more should we do so as we live on this earth!

Praise is a part of worship. Praise is an expression of thanksgiving. Praise is recognition of the majesty and glory of God. So, as we think about who we are and all that we fail to be, we are reminded of our God who loves us and cares for us. We remember that it is he who gives us life and sustains that life with all things that are needed. He provides us with relationships that build us up and then a special relationship with him that keeps us secure. How can we but praise God who cares so much for us?

It is in this loving nature that he has given his most precious gift; his Son to die for us. Because of this gift, we can praise him now and live with solid anticipation of an eternity in his presence. God is love. He never forgets his own but has us constantly on his mind. He is aware of every small problem, every major disaster, each small triumph and major victory in our lives. Not only is he aware, but he is in control. Therefore, he guides us thru the problems and uses them to make us stronger and more like him. He gives us opportunity to share what we learn with others to help them in their journey. He gives us the victories in our lives and provides us with the grace to accept them humbly rather than becoming proud. God is our great provider and we can always depend on him. Praise God, he will never fail us!

O God, please accept my humble plea to make me more like you. Please fill me with your Spirit in a way that I have never known before so that I may become what I have never been. Help me to open my heart so that I will use what you have given me and done for me to be a blessing to others and bring glory to your name. Please help those who are hurting and those who have asked for special prayers on their behalf. I offer this prayer in Jesus’ name.

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