An attitude of praise is one that can be difficult. People expect us to be happy all the time. They would rather we put on a brave face in times of difficulty instead of talking about them and looking for support from friends or family members. Yet it's in those times of distress that we can be a testimony to others as we give God the praise. Yes, even in the bad times. And, yes, it's hard.
When my mom was battling cancer I certainly didn't feel the
inkling to praise God. I didn't see anything for which to be thankful. However,
I just wasn't looking hard enough. In the midst of my sorrow I found some
complaints and also reasons to praise.
Complaints
• I wanted
my mom to be a grandmother to my kids
• she was
way too young to die
• she was
such a godly woman and made a difference in people's lives where there were so
many others who were/are the opposite
Praises
• I praised
God I was born into a Christian home and raised by godly parents
• I praised
God I was able to have my mom and my life for 21 years.
• I praised
God for her example to me – (not that I've been successful in living up to the caliber of woman she was!)
• I praised
God that she was able to see me get married
• I praised
God for her influence in my writing
Since then I have taken to writing in what I call my Blessings
Book. It's a blank journal where I record God's blessings to me and I give Him
praise. When I focus on praising God, the difficulties in life don't seem so
overwhelming.
I challenge you to keep your own Blessings Book. Write down
the littlest things that are a blessing to you. Did you avoid an accident? Did
you save money at the grocery store? Did you receive a friendly note? Were your
kids well behaved today? Once you start writing the blessings down you'll begin
seeing a whole lot more.
I'd love to hear the ways in which God has blessed you.
Leave a comment with your praise.
Comments
Post a Comment