Praising God

   Some praise God because He is the mighty God and they fear Him.  Others praise Him for His generosity.  They think if they praise Him they will receive greater blessings.  Then there are those who praise God solely because He is God.  They don’t fear Him, they don’t try to gain benefit by their praise, they simply praise God, who is goodness, love and mercy.

   Those who praise God out of fear are like slaves.  They praise the master because they are afraid he will punish them if they don’t.  They avoid sin only to avoid Hell, not because it is offensive to God.  Their praise is self-serving rather than from the pure love of Him.

   Praising God in hopes of getting a better job or more money or some other blessing that one desires is selfish.  Their prayers are for themselves and their own desires rather than in thanksgiving to the loving God who has already blessed them so greatly.

   To praise God simply because He is God is the praise of love.  There is no fear because we know of God’s mercy and seek it often.  Prayers of petition are for all of God’s children, not just our own concerns.  We must understand that God will provide and not concern ourselves with earthly desires.  Our love of God should be simply because He is God; He is everything good and right.

   If we truly love God because He is love and deserving of our love the needs of this world will be provided.  Jesus said, “For it is the nations that strive after all these things, and your Father knows you need them.  Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given you as well.” (Luke 12: 30 – 31)

Lord I praise You for You are God.

You are Love and Goodness.

You are all I will ever need.

Amen