What is Praise?
I have always been intrigued by what the scripture means to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). How does giving praise, giving thanks, and rejoicing in the Lord all fit together? Scripture determines that all are necessary, but are they all the same thing or are they different and separate components of worship?
Let us take a quick look at praise. A simple definition of true praise is recognizing God for who He is. Adoration will spring forth from the heart of a believer when one catches even a tiny glimpse of the true nature and character of God. Praise is about God alone. It is just telling God what He is like. His glory, His grace, His power, His love, His holiness, His mercy, His faithfulness and the list goes on and on of examples.
We praise God for who He is and not what He gives us. However, we should always thank God for what He gives us. Being thankful and praising are two distinct aspects of worshipping God. Yes, we receive benefits from praising God but that’s not what it is about. It’s about glorifying Him. Praise is a wonderful thing because we know that He inhabits (enthrones) the praise of His people, Psalm 22:3.
I ask myself, and you, why is praising God important? “It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High…” Psalm 92:1.
Praise is a good thing. So, how do we give praise to God? I mentioned earlier that we praise God for His multitudes of attributes.
~God is full of glory Psalm 138:5.
~God is great Psalm 145:3.
~God is wise and powerful Daniel 2:20.
~God is good Psalm 107:8.
~God is merciful and faithful Psalm 89:1
And much more!
Finally, I believe praise is a vital part of a life surrendered to God and it gives credit where credit is due. As His followers, we praise God now and we know that there is coming a day in which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the praises of God (Philippians 2:10-11).
