Purposeful Praise

Do we take time to praise God in our prayers? Do we ever pray for the sole purpose of expressing awe and love? Where does our mind drift when we look up in the sky, or look down at an intricately designed plant or when we steal just moments of peaceful quiet with a beautiful view, cup of coffee, and book in hand?

Are any of our prayers simply about God? To God? For God? In light of God?

Psalm 111 shares 10 short verses revealing the beauty of God, and I believe we would all do well to incorporate this purposeful praise into our daily conversations with our Father. Let’s break it up into 4 themes:

1. Thanksgiving

The Psalmist not only thanks God with his whole heart, but in the company of others. What is he thankful for? Read on!

2. Observance

He says that all who delight in the works of the Lord, study them. Do we study the ‘handiwork’ of God? Do remember what it’s like to be fascinated by creation? How refreshing to be purposeful and present throughout the hours by taking note and thanking God for the daily miracles of nature. They surround us, always.

3. Remembrance

The Israelites were instructed to teach and bring to remembrance the justice and mercy of God throughout the day, to tell the story over and over again of how He delivered them. Are we diligent to remember not only the creative works of God, but the redemptive? If we need refreshing, do we return to the scriptures to learn again of His provision and His covenant? He is working mightily in us, always.

4. Fear

“Holy and awesome is his name! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” – v.10 Do we praise God, knowing that He is…God? Holy and awesome and just and full of wisdom and mercy? What a needed perspective-changer during our hectic, self-focused days, that over time will actually lead us into the abundant vineyard of God’s wisdom. He is the sovereign God, always.

There’s simply no better ending than for us to say together with the Psalmist: His praise endures forever!

Today’s reading: Judges 10-11, Psalm 111, Romans 16 – 1 Corinthians 1

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Losing Your Purpose Because You’re Too Busy

“Are you busy?” What a silly question. Of course you are!

It seems like everyone just needs a moment of your time. There is always something else to do and there are just not enough hours in the day. So you press on busy, stressed and stretched too thin.

After a night of non-stop healing, when the crowds pressed against the door with their sick, lame and demon possessed, Jesus left before the sun came up. When his disciples finally found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!” They wanted Jesus to go back and keep healing. But Jesus said no.

He had a greater purpose. He needed to go preach everywhere. He needed to go spread the news about the kingdom and eventually save the entire world.

Jesus teaches a valuable lesson: meeting your purpose requires setting priorities. Sometimes setting priorities means saying no to busyness.

Reading: Mark 1-4