Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Sacrifice of Praise

Lately I have been reading scriptures that speak about the "sacrifice of praise" and pondering what is meant by these words.  As I was reading a book entitled "Christ The Healer" by FF Bosworth, this came up again as he shared what he felt it meant in regards to asking and receiving....and the time in between.

 Bosworth brought to the reader's attention that while Jonah was in the belly of the big fish he spoke with God and prayed for mercy~ to be saved, and even though he did not have visible proof that his prayer was answered, he STILL gave a sacrificial praise of thanksgiving for his deliverance.  He firmly believed before he saw the results, lifting up songs of praise to God. 

In Hebrews 13:15 we are told to continually give this sacrifice of praise.  Hebrews 13:15a says,

"Therefore let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God,
proclaiming our allegiance to His name."

This verse brings me back to Bosworth's words that Jonah gave thanks, worshipping and rejoicing BEFORE he had seen God's mercy on his life.  I could only imagine that this was really tough to do.  Here you are spending three days in the velly of a whale for your disobedience to God, thinking your life is over.  You are begging God for mercy, but not seeing it...nope..no light yet...just the inside of a big ol' smelly fish.   Just maybe it was hard to give thanks before he was spit out of the whale with whale puke all over him!!  Maybe it felt like a sacrifice to him! 

From the scriptures, we know we are to give this kind of praise continually.  All the time.  No matter what our circumstances.  No matter how hard it is to get those words out of our mouth or lift our hands high...we need to let go of our own feelings and surrender to God, believing His best is yet to come.  We may need to wait months or even years for an answer to manifest.  Our praises keep our focus on God, our Provider and our Healer and remind us that God is working on our behalf behind the scenes...beyond what we can see or feel.

The past few months God has been speaking to me about praising Him.  I went back to writing in my gratitude journal, and spending time giving thanks at the beginning of every prayer to Him.  Still God kept bringing to my mind the idea of praising Him.  Then I came upon the words...sacrifice of praise......and I began to ponder if this is where God was leading me.  Was there a piece missing in my prayer life...a piece between asking and receiving? 

I found myself wondering just how do we keep going when life knocks us down.  Just how do we overcome our fears and our worries.  Just how do we wait patiently for God's answers.  We know God LOVES us.  He wants the best for us.  He tells us if you ASK you shall RECEIVE.  So what happens if there is a period of time....an empty space between the asking and receiving?  I think, in obedience, we fill it up with praise.  Giving thanks for God's promises ~ believing and rejoicing.  We give to God our own sacrifice of praise!


Stop over and visit Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays to read inspirational posts or link up your own.


14 comments:

Make a Joyful Noise all ye Lands said...

Hello Renee,
I came over from Spiritual Sundays. Thank you for your encouraging words. Focus on praise helps me to take my mind off my circumstances and keep my eyes on my Lord. A powerful spiritual weapon that Praise does defeat the enemies tactics.

Blessings,
Virginia

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Renee this is a great message and one I need to read right now. Praising Him before I see it...Yes to this. Thanks for directing me here too. Take gentle care....

Gayle said...

So much to ponder from this post Renee. Sacrifices are never easy I suppose...
You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Tuesday.

Elaine said...

I also needed to hear this today. Thank you so much for the post.

Hope and pray you are both doing ok!

Pamela said...

I want to fill the empty space with praises, too. Never though of it quite like that -- I'm thankful you gave me this thought.

Charlotte said...

Thank you for sharing these words of encouragement, Renee. And - you are certainly blessed with a wonderful family.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Cathy said...

A great post, Dear ~ I think I used to have that book by Bosworth. I believe maybe I gave it to someone. I may need to get another one. :) I remember it was good. Blessings ~

Renee said...

You are welcome, Virgina! What you shared is so very true and immportant to remember.

Renee said...

Thanks Sarah...

Renee said...

Hi Gayle...lots to ponder, yes and still much for me to learn as I walk this path of praise in obedience to what God has shared with me over and over again.

Renee said...

You are welcome dear Elaine...hugs to you.

Renee said...

Hi Pamela..thanks for coming by...glad you found it helpful.

Renee said...

Thank you Charlotte....oh, we feel blessed to with a wonderful family.

Renee said...

Hi Cathy, yes we just "discovered" this book awhile ago, and are now finding it quite valuable.