The Sacrifice Of Praise

Hebrews 13:15

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.

Nobody really likes to talk about sacrifice. It is not the most popular tool in the box, but we all have to do it at one time or another. Even though the term makes us think of giving up things or leaving things behind, it is not always so bad. We all sacrifice things daily. For example, when we have more than one thing to do at the same time, we have to sacrifice one to do the other. We are accustomed to that, so it doesn’t really even seem like a sacrifice.

What is the Bible talking about here when it talks about offering up a sacrifice of praise? You know that sometimes you just don’t feel in the mood to praise God. It has been one of those days, problems have arisen that took all of your spare time, the kids have been extra rowdy, work or school did not go good, the car wouldn’t start, you know the kind of day that I am talking about. Right now, you just can’t seem to find the desire to praise God. Now is when it is a sacrifice to offer up praise. You just don’t feel like praising. Frankly, you can’t think of too much to praise for.

In reality, you still have just as much as ever to praise God for, it is just that the inconveniences, problems and trials of the day have clouded your vision and taken your attention. God has not changed, He is still God and is worthy of praise because of who He is and not because of what He does. The truth is that you need the release of praise for what it will do for you, not for what it will do for God. He is who He is and your praise or lack of praise will not add to nor take away from that, but when you make the choice to praise Him, you will find that you are the beneficiary of the good results. Your spirit will be lifted, your joy will arise and you will get the victory over those circumstances that were meant to defeat you.