The third part of the three-fold Davidic process of praise is... "Praise spreads to others."
Not feeling like praising God, David first has to decide that he will still praise God. Once he disciplines himself to actually begin praising God, the feeling follows... eventually.
After his sadness for his problems turns to authentic and joyful praise for God's goodness (even though the problems still remain), only then, does his praising God spread to others.
John Maxwell points to David's third verse in Psalm 34, which proclaims, "The humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." From the attitude (choice to praise), to the feeling (emotion from praising), to the witnesses surrounding him, David's pursuit of God was priority and it was unmistakably real.
This brief reflection reminds me that
"my time with God does effect others."
Maybe not directly but indirectly, I can influence others as I submit to praising God, even when I feel nothing. Now, this cannot be traditions or habits for ritual. Rather,
it must be like the shepherd looking for his lost sheep, or the woman who lost and searched for her money. Or the kid who lets go of his or her guardian's hand in the mall and then gets lost. I need to seek God because I really need God in my life.
I want to praise him, then, because "He is able more than able" (from an old song).
prayer:
Lord, there are many motives in this heart of mine, but the best motive it for You. Help me to honor you with my praise and worship today and during service tomorrow. And may you be glorified, in secret and in public. In Jesus name, amen.
Not feeling like praising God, David first has to decide that he will still praise God. Once he disciplines himself to actually begin praising God, the feeling follows... eventually.
After his sadness for his problems turns to authentic and joyful praise for God's goodness (even though the problems still remain), only then, does his praising God spread to others.
John Maxwell points to David's third verse in Psalm 34, which proclaims, "The humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." From the attitude (choice to praise), to the feeling (emotion from praising), to the witnesses surrounding him, David's pursuit of God was priority and it was unmistakably real.
This brief reflection reminds me that
"my time with God does effect others."
Maybe not directly but indirectly, I can influence others as I submit to praising God, even when I feel nothing. Now, this cannot be traditions or habits for ritual. Rather,
it must be like the shepherd looking for his lost sheep, or the woman who lost and searched for her money. Or the kid who lets go of his or her guardian's hand in the mall and then gets lost. I need to seek God because I really need God in my life.
I want to praise him, then, because "He is able more than able" (from an old song).
prayer:
Lord, there are many motives in this heart of mine, but the best motive it for You. Help me to honor you with my praise and worship today and during service tomorrow. And may you be glorified, in secret and in public. In Jesus name, amen.