Beautiful Word Devotional #128

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

Sacrifice involves inconvenience. So to offer a sacrifice of praise, for instance, you are deliberately choosing to praise God rather than doing other pursuits. You’re making time to worship him, to tell him how marvelous and amazing he is.

The author of Hebrews encouraged us to offer a sacrifice of praise continually. He didn’t mean to sing our way through the day. Instead, the writer meant that we choose to be continually mindful of God’s goodness. We don’t merely thank him for the food in front of us, but we live with gratitude, thanking him for limbs that work, ears that hear, people to love.

And this praise is not simply a mental exercise. This praise involves verbal proclamation, “the fruit of [our] lips.”

So, if you’re having a difficult day, say out loud to the Lord, “I love you, God, and I appreciate you.” It’ll make a difference!

Lord, I choose right now to openly and joyfully praise you for who you are—and I ask you to teach me to praise you continually, amen.