THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Lord, Scripture commands anyone who is breathing to praise You (Psalm 150:6). You are God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and worthy of all the praise and glory. It’s a no-brainer that atheists, non-believers, or skeptics wouldn’t praise You. That’s understandable. But Lord, as a Christ-follower, what am I to do those times I just don’t feel like praising You? Whether I’m physically tired, mentally exhausted, emotionally drained — whatever has caused my soul’s slothfulness, I just can’t muster the spiritual energy to praise You. Maybe it’s the pain from this lingering illness that numbs my praise motivation? Or disappointment from a loved one’s failure and the hurt is too deep? Possibly an unrepentant sin in my life shuts out Your voice to come to You and set things right.

Lord, did the psalmist suggest he wallowed in similar spiritual lethargy when he penned Psalm 103? Seems like it. “Bless the Lord,” he ordered his soul. “All that is within me—Praise the Lord!” The ways in which life’s stuff came against him wherever he turned must have worn him down. His spirit knew he needed to get back on track. “Bless the Lord, my soul! Praise Him! And do not forget all He has done for you!” (Psalm 103:1,2). He went on to list all Your blessings. Wouldn’t you know it. The more blessings he remembered, the more exuberant his praise became. By the end of the Psalm, the psalmist is praising You in song and dance.

Forgive me, Lord. Who am I to withhold praise to You? When I slow down, ignore all the negatives vying for my attention, and remember all You have done for me and my family, our countless blessings at every corner, how can I not praise You? May my praise from a grateful heart, resounding throughout the halls of Heaven, please You, Lord. Amen.