Tuesday, July 1, 2008

"Praise Is His Sanctuary"

"Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion." Psalm 114:2

"Judah was his sanctuary." Let me give you a "literal" interpretation of this based on the meaning of these words. "Praise was God's Holy place of habitation." Psalm 22:3 says, "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

Do you desire more of the presence of God in your life? Then make your life a place of praise. God doesn't dwell in murmuring and complaining. He does dwell in criticism. He doesn't dwell in backbiting and gossip. He doesn't dwell where arguing is, nor does He dwell in cursing and profanity. He doesn't dwell in words of doubt, fear and unbelief. He dwells in praise.

How much time do you spend giving God praise and honor each day? Is your mouth continually filled with His praises? Do you go around your home lifting up His blessed name in praise? Praise is not just something we do in church during the song service. Praise is a lifestyle-- a lifestyle of gratitude for the One who died for us, gave His life freely to redeem us from our sins, who gives us all good things, who daily loads us with benefits, who meets and supplies every need.

His praise should continually be in our mouths (Psalm 34:1), and the starting place each day is in the morning. When you get out of bed the first thing you should do is open your mouth and begin to praise Him for keeping you safe through the night, for waking you up to the dawn of a new day, for giving you life, health, peace, salvation, for loving you, for making His sun shine upon you, for allowing you the privilege of coming to Him in prayer, for hearing your request, for giving you access into His very presence, (should I continue?). Make your life a sanctuary of praise and watch how His presence will dwell in your life in a greater way.

Have a great day. God dwells in praise, not in complaining.

No comments: