Thrive: A Journey Through the PsalmsSampl

Praise Prompts

One of the most useful tools on my phone is the appointment reminder. I use it frequently, usually setting up two notifications for every appointment I book. If I happen to miss the first prompt, I still have time to make my appointment. These reminders keep me on schedule and help me to plan my day.

Today's reading gives us two reminders of how to prepare ourselves for worship. This Psalm encourages us to come before God with joyful songs and enter his presence with thanksgiving and praise. The times we least feel like worshipping are the times when choosing to worship is most necessary. 

During a season of sickness, a pastor I know of testified that God healed her as she practiced thanksgiving and praise. At the height of her illness, she set a ten-minute timer to remind her to stop what she was doing and praise and worship. This pastor did this every day for several months and eventually experienced miraculous healing. This simple reminder helped her get her eyes off the situation she was facing and directed her energy and focus on God and his presence. 

Daily Challenge

Don't just schedule meetings; set a reminder to spend time praising God. Make an appointment on your phone or calendar that will prompt you to pause and praise God today.