Praising and Thanking God ~ Donna Ellard

Praising God and giving thanks to God are clear and pointed truths in God’s Word. However, each one is distinct from the other. As Christians we are commanded to praise God for, “who He is” and we are to thank Him for “what He does.”  

    Praise is based on the character of God that does not change, Therefore, our praise to God should not change. Malachi 3:6 states, “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” Because God is who He is in His person and character, we are to praise Him. If we are happy, sad, sick, healthy, rich, poor, on the mountain top or in the valley we are commanded to praise God! Praise is not necessarily based on what God has done, but on who God is. Psalms 150 

    Thanks to God differs, in that, He does things differently for us each and every day. Psalms 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Because the blessings are different our praise is different. However, the command is the same. Psalms 116:17 states, “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 

    There is just something that can be done for the heart of a Christian who take the opportunity to Praise God and give thanks for what He has done or is doing in our life. Both actions require recognition. Taking the time to know God and His character enough to praise Him, and stopping our life long enough to see all the good things that He has done and thanking him verbally for it. Hebrews 13:15-16 (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. (16) But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices Gid is well pleased.” 

        Praise the Lord !!!   He has done so much for us !!  One of the best things we can do is praise the Lord each day. Praising the Lord can do so much for us.    When we are sad, praising the Lord can lift our spirit and make us feel better. The Lord loads us daily with blessings. We can always find something to be thankful for and we don’t have to very far.  The Bible talks about how he daily loads us with blessings.   It does our heart and spirit good to be thankful. There are days when we are not going to feel like being thankful or praising the Lord. There are days when putting one foot in front of the other will be the hardest thing you do. It may seem like an impossible thing, but with God all things are possible.  Praising and being thankful can be contagious. Praising and being thankful can lead to other blessings. People can see the blessings and sweet spirit in your life and that  would be a blessing to others. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, but it is worth the effort to give it a try.