Isaiah 12:4-5 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
As I read these verses, I was pricked in my heart. How often do I praise the Lord? How often do I tell others about what He is doing in my life or the lives of others that I know? How often do I exalt the name of the Lord in front of others?
As I go about my days, do I have a song of praise in my heart to the Lord? Do I thank Him for the excellent things He has done?
Oh, I am so prone to complain about my circumstances! I complain about my aches and pains. I complain about the weather. I complain about the government and the economy. That's not to say we are to pretend these things don't exist, but we need to realize that when we complain about these things we are complaining against the Providence of God.
Rather than complain about my aches and pains, I should give thanks to God for the strength He gives me to keep going in spite of them. Instead of complaining about the weather, I should thank God that he provides variety for the day, rain for the crops etc. Rather than complain about the government I should pray for our leaders. When I am tempted to complain about the economy, I should thank God that we still have food, clothing and shelter and then contribute to a charity to help someone who is struggling in the world.
Sometimes, I am prone to draw attention to my own achievements or the achievements of others instead of praising God for blessing me or others with the ability to do what we do. Instead of exalting His name, I am prone to exalt my own name or the names of others.
This strikes deep at my heart. I pray for strength to do better, to give praise and glory to God in all things.
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