Raise Your Praise

My grandmother stayed sensitive to the Lord by continually praising and thanking Him. Her continual outflow of songs and gratitude kept her aware of His presence, and her prayer times were never dry! This was in part because she did what Psalm 100 says and came before the Lord with singing. She entered into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise (verses 1-4).

I remember when a time of praise led to a life-changing encounter for me. My husband and I were not yet pastors, though we were in ministry in other ways, and were at another minister’s church. We were worshipping the Lord, just enjoying the setting. My hands were raised toward heaven as I repeated, “Lord, I love You. I love You!”

Suddenly, I heard God’s Spirit speak within me, No, you don’t. You don’t love Me because you don’t love people.

I was shocked! What did He mean, I don’t love people? I’m in the ministry!

As I considered His words, however, I began to understand. Even though I had been raised to care about others and loved them in a way, it was not my motivation. Besides that, Jesus told us to love others just as He loved us (John 13:34). It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a commandment. Jesus later said in John 14:21 that those who truly love Him keep His commands! It was safe to say I wasn’t loving “just as” Jesus loves.

When I realized that the Lord couldn’t receive my expression of love for Him, I made an adjustment — fast! I repented for not loving people the way God does. At that moment, something opened up within me. There had been a hidden hardness there. But I encountered God’s love, and He softened me that day.

Praise was turned into worship which became a life-changing encounter with Him.

Today I encourage you to spend time with the Lord like Psalm 100 outlines. You don’t have to sing like Nonnie did (but you can). Endeavor to set yourself aside, put your attention on God, and praise Him for His wonderful attributes. If you need a place to start, choose a passage of scripture, and begin to thank Him as you read the psalmist’s words of praise out loud. Give yourself over to who He is, and have a fresh encounter with the living Lord!