Persevering In Praise

"Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever." Psalm 145:2

I drove to meet an old friend for lunch today and found myself thinking, praying, asking and seeking how I could work on living out this verse, particularly the EVERYDAY part. It takes little effort for me, and praise seems to flow quickly from my lips in the good times;when it is easy. I am quick to acknowledge His work when He brings all things together and life seems "good". But this verse tells me that it is also very important for me to praise him when it is difficult. To praise Him when I don't know what is going on. To praise Him when it seems like things will just not work out. To praise Him because that is what I am to do..... for ever and ever! There is a song by Matt Redman that says:

"Every step we are breathing in Your grace Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise."

It wasn't that I was questioning the Lord in unbelief today as I was praying. But I asked Him to help me to breath out His praise NOW when I am unsure, anxious and uncertain about my future... and to do it everyday! As I prayed He visibly brought to my mind, like a movie trailer, just how faithful He has been to me. With each event of my life that the Lord conjured up into my thoughts I was reminded of His presence every time and He spoke softly to me and said.... "That was Me!" I was overwhelmed and a peace invaded my car. I was able to reflect as these scenes passed through my mind and it reminded me that I DO have reason to praise His name for ever and ever.... everyday! He has never taken me anywhere without purpose or reason. I am confident as I focus on giving praise... EVERYDAY that I will continue to see His work in my life. He is so faithful to care for us like none other, to love us unconditionally, and to never leave us to ourselves. As I grow in my love for Him I want to also grow in praising and extolling His name for ever and ever. As my friend and I had lunch together I was encouraged and we were recounting God's goodness in both of our lives. At one point with tears she enthusiastically said... "I just love how God works!" Indeed.