SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
An In-Depth Look at the Power and Purpose of Praise in the Life of a Believer
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:
- MEMORY VERSE: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8, NIV)
- TEXT: Psalm 145:1-12
- RBT: Ezekiel 39-40
MESSAGE: GOD IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL
Praise is a language that transcends time and space. It is the language of a grateful heart and the truest expression of our
worship to God. The Psalmist David, a man
whose life was a tapestry of both triumph and tribulation, understood the profound power of praise. In Psalm 145, he provides us with a magnificent song of worship, a timeless blueprint for how we should
approach our relationship with God. He wasn’t just offering a fleeting moment of gratitude; he was resolute in his decision to praise God ceaselessly.
The foundation of this unending praise is a deep understanding of who God is. David did not praise God for what he
hoped God would do, but for who God already is. He declared,
“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3). This acknowledgment of God’s unfathomable greatness is the starting point of genuine worship. It is a recognition that
God’s power, wisdom, and majesty are beyond our full comprehension, and for that reason alone, He is worthy of all honor.
The Timeless Mandate of Intergenerational Praise
Praise, according to the psalmist, is not a private affair. It is an intergenerational mandate. David declares,
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4). This means that the works of God—His miracles, His provision, His deliverance—are a legacy to be passed down. It is not enough for us to experience God’s goodness; we have a solemn duty to declare it to the next generation.
This stands in stark contrast to the modern-day culture of casual faith. It is often the case that children hear their family’s requests and petitions to God, but it is rare for them to hear powerful, exciting testimonies of God’s care, provision, and deliverance. When
testimonies are shared, they are often spoken of casually, with little to no excitement, as if they were a matter of course. This robs the next generation of the spiritual heritage and a personal encounter with a
living God. We must be deliberate in telling others about God’s mighty acts, making our testimonies a vibrant and foundational part of our family and community life.
The Role of Meditation in Sustaining Praise
The psalmist’s unending praise was not a result of a fleeting emotional high; it was rooted in the discipline of meditation. He said,
“They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.” (Psalm 145:5). The word “meditate” here implies a deep and reflective contemplation. It means to dwell on, to chew on, and to internalize the wonderful works of God.
Meditation is the secret ingredient that transforms a shallow praise into a deep and abiding one. When you meditate on God’s past goodness—how He healed you when you were sick, provided for you in a time of lack, or delivered you from a dangerous situation—it solidifies your faith. It becomes a personal, undeniable testimony that fuels your praise. You cannot genuinely praise a God you do not know. Meditation on His wonderful works is how we get to know Him intimately.
The Character of the God We Praise
The very heart of Psalm 145 reveals the character of the
God we are called to praise. Our memory verse is a powerful summary of His nature:
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8). He is not a distant, unfeeling deity but a God who is intimately involved in our lives.
He is Gracious and Compassionate: He is kind to us even when we don’t deserve it. He has compassion on all He has made, extending His mercy to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
He is Slow to Anger: He is not quick to condemn or punish our failures. He gives us time to repent and return to Him.
He is Rich in Love: His love is not a shallow affection but an abundant, overflowing, and steadfast love that never fails.
This is the God we are called to praise. The song “O My Soul,
Bless God the Father” beautifully captures these attributes, reminding us that He forgives our transgressions, heals our diseases, redeems us from destruction, and puts our sins as far as the east is from the west.
A Powerful Tool for Witnessing
Praise is also a powerful tool for witnessing. The psalmist says,
“They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. …so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” (Psalm 145:7, 12). When we praise God publicly and with joy, our testimony becomes a powerful tool for evangelism.
People have diverse opinions about God, but the testimony from those who know God and have experienced His goodness sets the record straight. Your personal
story of God’s faithfulness is a powerful tool that no one can deny. Your praise, fueled by meditation on His works,
becomes an undeniable witness to the world that God is real, He is good, and He is worthy of all praise.
A Call to Action
Don’t hold back your testimonies. Remember, rejoice, and recount!
Perceive: Praising God genuinely can never be wrong. It is a
spiritual discipline that unlocks greater blessings in your life.
Ponder: How often do you genuinely praise God? Is it a daily habit, or only when you are in need?
Practise: Meditate on any Christian song of praise and create a dedicated time to sing it passionately to God. Let the words of the song become your personal prayer of worship.
Pray: O God, I declare Your wonderful works in my life and I praise You for them. I pray for Your presence to distinguish me from the crowd in the mighty name of Jesus.
 PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I bless Your name for Your unfathomable greatness, Your graciousness, and Your abundant love. I am resolved to praise You every day of my life. Forgive me for the times I have been silent about Your goodness. I pray for a renewed spirit of praise and a heart that is always ready to testify of Your wonderful works. Let my life be a living song of praise to You, in
Jesus’ name. Amen.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the difference between a song of praise and a song of worship?
A: A song of praise often focuses on what God has done—His great deeds, miracles, and acts of deliverance. A song of worship focuses on who God is—His character, His holiness, and His majesty. Both are essential parts of our relationship with Him.
Q2: How can I remember
God’s works to praise Him when my memory is not good?
A: A great way to remember God’s works is to keep a journal of answered prayers and testimonies. Write down the dates and details of how God came through for you. Reviewing this journal regularly will help you recall His faithfulness and fuel your praise.
Q3: Is it possible to praise God even when things are going wrong?
A: Yes, it is. Praising God in the midst of a trial is the highest form of faith. It shows that you are not just praising Him for what He does, but for who He is. It shifts your focus from your problem to His power and invites His presence to bring about a breakthrough.
Question and Answer
Q1: According to the article, what did the psalmist offer praise to God for?
A: The psalmist offered praise to God for who He is, acknowledging His wonderful works and thanking Him for preservation.
Q2: What is the secret of the psalmist’s unending praise?
A: The secret of the psalmist’s unending praise was meditation on God’s wonderful works.
Q3: According to the text, what is the character of the Lord?
A: The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Q4: What is one thing the article suggests children do not hear enough of in their families?
A: The article suggests that children do not hear enough testimonies of God’s care, provisions, deliverance, and guidance from their families.
Responses