September 2, 2011
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Repaying God
Amidst our wonderful wedding and travel and now moving into our new place I have to admit that I have had some tough moments of stress. This should be a super joyful, happy time, but at times I have been too focused on worries or burdens to acknowledge the blessings God has given me. Clearly Satan has tried to steal my joy. My dad mentioned to me while I was in America that God is too worthy of praises to continually be approached with concerns. In other words, while it is important to cast my burdens to the Lord and petition for His peace and grace, what I should be focusing on most is praising Him.
During a particular tough couple of days earlier this week it wasn’t until I chose to praise the Lord continually (singing simple songs of worship) that a lot of the worries and stress were lifted off of me. It felt so good.
What is interesting is that God actually demands this praise… for our own good, of course. It’s when we focus on ourselves or the world around us that we can easily get overwhelmed or led astray. In 2Chronicles 32 King Hezekiah was healed of deadly disease, but he didn’t focus on praising on the Lord afterward…
2Chronicles 32:25 (NKJV) – But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem.
The word “repay” is translated as “respond” in other versions, but I like the New King James Version. There needs to be a resolve within our hearts that it is our duty to praise the Lord and give Him the worship He is due. Not just for our own health, but because He is truly good and worthy of our adoration. And the more we acknowledge His goodness, the more secure we become in knowing that He loves us and will always take care of us.
God bless!
