Testify!

Testify!

I will give thanks and praise the Lord, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds. PSALM 9:1 AMP

Again, we see David expressing a decision to offer praise and thanks to God. There is something about the life God has given us that demands that we offer something of value back to God. When I take stock of all that has gone before me, or the things that are happening at the moment, it is almost impossible not to find reasons to be very grateful. If I am unable to find even one good reason why I would offer praise and thanks to God, then maybe I am blind, deaf and dead to the realities of the grace and mercy I have received from God.

David is a classical example of the lesson on praise, no matter what comes. For me, is my life an offering of thanksgiving and praise to God? Do men have to cajole me into gratitude or does it flow willingly out of my heart and life? You see, it does not matter what I tell myself; if it is not from a sincerely grateful heart, I am not sure God will accept. Everywhere you turn to in the Bible, you find accounts of men who either served God with all their hearts, or men who have halfhearted devotion. Check out the end of either group, and you will know that if it is not total, it is not accepted.

Is all my heart given over to God, or are there areas I am holding on to tightly, afraid to let go? David also was willing and ready to testify aloud about God's mighty works. You see, routine is the greatest danger to a life of thanksgiving. You get to wake up every day, go to work/school and all seems well. You get so used to the routine that it stops to amaze you. That's the danger. May I never get so used to God and his mercies that I take them for granted. May I not be so full of myself that God has no place to work in and through me. May I not be so full of complaints and grumblings that men cannot see God in me. My life was made for God's glory, and my life is only lived well if it leads men to praise God. His time of favour is here.