Praise First

Read Psalms 146:1 through 150:6

Are sickness, financial problems, wayward family members, or other troubles the focus of your prayers? Is it tempting to jump right to requests for help and skip adoring God? In the midst of pain, is praise far from your thoughts?

Many writers of the Psalms exalted God during or following traumatic events, both personal and national.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit (Psalm 147:5).

Worship can turn your thoughts from terror to triumph, calming your panic. As you glorify God, your focus moves from looming disaster to God—your loving Father. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, your Protector, Healer, Rock, Refuge, Helper, and Guide.

Praise reminds you that God is always present and walks beside you through the darkest valleys. Proclaiming His greatness and knowing that He is working every situation for your good gives you peace even in the turmoil.

Challenge for Today: Make a list of the various names and descriptions of God in the Bible and use them to help you chase away anxieties.

Quicklook: Psalm 147:1–9