A devotional on praise begins with a resolve in Psalm 146:1-2, where the psalmist tells his own soul to praise God and promises to keep praising him his whole life. Praise is not only for good days. It is a lifelong choice to honor God for who he is, in every season.
Key Verse
“I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:2, ESV)
Speaking to Your Soul
The psalmist talks to his own soul, telling it to praise God. Sometimes our feelings do not lead us toward praise. We have to remind ourselves. Praise is not pretending everything is fine. It is choosing to fix our attention on God’s goodness even when life is hard.
You can preach to your own heart too.
Praise for a Lifetime
The psalmist commits to praising God for as long as he has breath. Praise is not a phase. It is the shape of a whole life. From childhood to old age, through joy and sorrow, God remains worthy.
Some of the most beautiful praise comes from people who have suffered much and still trust God.
Why Praise God?
The rest of Psalm 146 gives reasons. Human leaders are mortal and cannot ultimately save. But the Lord made heaven and earth, keeps faith forever, brings justice to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, sets prisoners free, gives sight to the blind, lifts those weighed down by burdens, and protects immigrants, orphans and widows.
Our praise responds to his character and his works.
Praise in Hard Times
When you are struggling, praise can feel impossible. Start small. Name one true thing about God. Read a psalm aloud. Sing quietly. Praise does not deny pain. It brings pain to a faithful God. If you are in deep distress, talk with someone you trust as well.
Praise is not only for days when everything goes well. It is a choice to remember who God is, even in hard seasons. Try naming three things about God’s character out loud today, and let them lift your eyes above your circumstances.
Try starting each morning this week with one sentence of praise before you check your phone. Small habits like this train the heart to look up first.
Today, Try This
Write a list of ten things you can praise God for, about who he is and what he has done. Read the list aloud as a prayer.
Reflection Question
What keeps you from praising God, and what reasons for praise can you name today?
Prayer
Lord, I tell my own heart to praise you, and I will keep praising you all my days. You are faithful, just, and kind. You lift up the bowed down and care for the vulnerable. Fill my mouth with praise today, in every circumstance. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 146:1-2 mean?
Psalm 146:1-2 (ESV) is a personal commitment to praise God throughout one’s whole life. The psalmist calls his own soul to praise and resolves to keep singing to God for the rest of his days.
What is the difference between praise and worship?
The terms overlap. Praise often refers to expressing admiration and thanks for who God is and what he has done. Worship is broader, including praise but also surrender, obedience, and offering one’s whole life to God.
How can I praise God when I feel sad?
Be honest with God about your sadness, then name one true thing about his character. Read a psalm of lament that turns to praise, like Psalm 13 or 42. Praise can coexist with tears.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about thankfulness
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on Creation (devotional)
- Related: our devotional: Devotional on Worship
- Related: Devotional for Depression: Hope in God (Psalm 42:11)
- Related: This Is the Day Devotional: Psalm 118:24 Meaning