January 22, 2010, "Would You have Still Praised Me?"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"Why are you cast down, O my soul (mind)? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."
~ Psalm 42:5, 11 & 43:5 NKJV~

I am reminded of the day a few years back when I was looking for a front row parking space. I remember selfishly praying for 'parking favor' when suddenly a front parking spot became available. Of course, I was happy that I wouldn't have to walk as far and in doing so I said, "Praise God for front row parking favor". As soon as I spoke that out, I remember hearing in my spirit, "What if the front row parking space was unavailable would you have still praised Me?" I remember being shocked with that question. Most of us know that when God asks us a question, it's not that He doesn't know the answer; it's that most likely we aren't doing what is being asked about. Well, of course, my religious answer? "Of course" then I was quickly awakened to reality when I finished that sentence with ..."not".

Believe it or not, that was the moment when I learned that praising God was not just a 'feel good couple of words' to say, or a cliche. It was the moment when I realized no matter what my circumstances are it doesn't change the must and the necessity to praise my Father God. The mandate on my life; which is to praise Him because of Who He is; not because of what He can do for me.

I ponder the Majesty that we are able to behold as God reveals His loving grace and tender mercies over us moment by moment through Jesus Christ. Creation itself praises our God. You don't believe me? Marvel at the 'limbs' of the trees...look how they extend their 'limbs' to the skies in awe of their glorious Creator. Look upon the blades of grass as they grow upward allowing His glory to shine upon them. The mountain's majestic peaks reaching to the heavens declaring His everlasting glory. The skies that embrace us clothed in a new stroke of His glorious creativity as the sky is ever changing and ever remarkable. The sky is as the train of God's majestic robe...for the heavens cannot contain His glory, so why do I attempt such a foolish feat?

I am in awe of Who He is, which leads me to this aching desire to want to be constantly in awe of Who He is; more so than even creation's thunderous applause.

I was made to worship and praise God...in all that I do...today I am reminded to praise Him when I feel like it, when I don't feel like it, when I feel as though there is no where to turn, when my life is wonderful, when its filled with life circumstances, I want to be found 'guilty' of praising Him in all seasons of my life.

In the praise may it be great evidence of my trust in my Father.