Continual Praise

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our
lips giving thanks to his name."

Hebrews 13:15

A body is not crippled till its heart ceases to praise.

Praise is easy to give when things are going well. We don't mind praising others when we are in a
good mood, yet the toughest times to praise are when things aren't working out as we had planned. Take, for instance, the middle-aged Christian man who loved serving God and was faithful in his local church. He praised God by singing while serving as the church's maintenance man. His job wasn't elaborate, nor was his position seen, but he loved serving and praising God.

One day the man developed a sore throat that left him hoarse. After a few days of struggle through his sickness, he consulted a doctor who after running several tests diagnosed him with a rare form of cancer. Treatment for the cancer would render him without a voice for the rest of his life. Facing the fact he would never speak, sing, yell, or whisper ever again, the man had one thing to say, "Doctor, would you mind if I sing one last song before you begin treatments?" The man went on to sing Isaac Watt's hymn, "I'll Praise My Maker While I Have Breath."

Praising God came naturally while this man was serving God and enjoying the blessings of a godly life, yet when he faced sickness, painful treatments, and a life without his voice, he continued praising God even then. True praise continues even when circumstances turn sour.

Notice what Hebrews has to say, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." We are to praise God
continually-without ceasing.

When was the last time you set aside time to praise God? Have you taken time lately to praise and thank Him for His blessings? However not only does God want you to set aside time to thank Him, He also wants praise to be continually on your lips. Giving thanks to God after a blessing should be as natural as breathing. As Paul says, praising God should be the fruit of your lips.

God has done so many things for you. Stop right now and think about what He's done lately. Within the last few months, how has God blessed you? If you have a piece of paper near, write down some ways God's been good to you. Create a document on your computer and each day list out five ways God has blessed you. Use that list to develop a continual spirit of praise for the works God has done.

Someone once said, "A body is not crippled till its heart ceases to praise." Be in a continual state
of praise today as you remember all the good things God has done for you.