Do you want to be fortified, braced, strengthened?

Me too. That’s why it’s vital to praise God. Here’s how those things are connected.

In Psalm 103 David talks about praising God. A lot. Check it out: Verse 1: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Verse 2: “Praise the LORD, my soul…” Verse 20: “Praise the LORD…” Verse 21: “Praise the LORD…” Verse 22: “Praise the LORD… Praise the LORD, my soul.”

That’s a lot!

When we think of praising God we usually think about celebrating God in a formal worship setting. That definitely makes sense. But on a more day-to-day basis, we can also think of it as speaking well of who God is and the good God does.

When we do that it fortifies, braces and strengthens us. Why? Because we are reminded that despite our changing times, we belong to the God who does not change; and that when there is so much bad news, we have a good God who provides many good things; and that when our society is spinning with dizziness, we are firmly directed by the compassionate commands of our comforting King.

We live in unprecedented times when we can’t physically gather together on Sunday mornings to worship in a building. It feels weird, doesn’t it? But we can still praise God—from wherever we are. This includes on live-streamed services and with faith-at-home resources, but also in our daily attitudes and conversations.

Speak well of who God is and the good God does.

Looking up in praise plants our feet firmly on the ground.

By Matthew Ruttan

–You can now receive an automatic email reminder every Sunday morning to connect directly to the YouTube live stream at Westminster Church where I lead worship and preach. Here’s the correct link to sign up for free. This Sunday’s theme: “Your weapons in the war against fear.”

–Today’s “Up!” is related to my most recent sermon: “When life feels out of control.” Click here for watch on YouTube.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.