By Lori Tyler
Psalm 22:23-31
I love to sing hymns and songs of praise on Sunday morning. Sitting in a beautiful sanctuary with my family and friends, I am drawn into worship. However, how fervent and majestic is my worship on Monday morning when the alarm rings at 6:00 am? Do I live a life of praise when I am stuck in traffic or rushing to another appointment? Most of all, how am I doing with praise in my home? What response to God does my family see when I am lamenting about the dirty laundry or the sink full of dirty dishes?
I was struck by the words in the last two verses of Psalm 22. The psalmist ends with these words, “Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn. He has done it!” Amazing! My genuine and continual praise to God will be a testimony and influence in the future as well.
As I demonstrate a life of praise to my boys, Benjamin and Luke, they will learn to live their Christian life in the same way. And in turn they will teach their children and generations to come.
But praise and adoration of God does not always come quickly or easily. Often, my first response to difficult situations is to complain. It is fun to vent and feels good. But I have learned that complaining is contagious and springs from a heart of ingratitude.
One way to overcome grumbling is to cultivate a thankful spirit. I have so much to be thankful for and I want my entire life to be an offering of heart felt worship. I want to say “no” to complaining and instead take my complaints and frustrations to the Lord. He is the only one who is able to answer and help. He has not despised my suffering nor hidden His face from me.
Only when I live a life of gratitude for all God has done for me can I find those words and actions of praise no matter what circumstance I am facing. It is my prayer that my gratitude and praise will be reflected in the lives of my children and family.