Sacrifice Of Praise

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Hebrews 13:15 nlt

Pause

My husband and I spent eleven years working with a camping ministry that required us to raise our own financial support. Living by faith while raising three kids was not easy. Stress mounted when they approached college age. Things climaxed the week our second child left home. That’s when unexpected car and dental bills cost nearly six thousand dollars.

Was God telling us to find a real, paying job? We prayed and fasted, and we sensed him say to stay put and praise him even in our lack. So, we did. We praised him daily for being our provider, our friend, our fortress, and more.

Praise didn’t change our financial state; it changed us. Focusing on God’s character snapped the chains of fear over financial insecurity, and freedom flooded us. Nearly two decades of faith-supported ministry later, that freedom remains.

Giving God a sacrifice of praise means worshiping him even in a hard place. It’s faith-stretching, but it’s the antidote for fear and paves the way to freedom.

Ponder

What three things can you praise God for today?

Pray

God, give me courage to offer a sacrifice of praise to you, and to do so with joy.