“…therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” – Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)
The word ‘sacrifice’ connotes a cost or involves forfeiting something valuable. Praise is an expression of gratitude and admiration. So, what is a sacrifice of praise?
As human beings, it is easy to praise God when things are going well, but be honest: Do you have the same posture in seasons of challenge? Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) tells us to continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Each day, therefore, we should choose to praise God regardless of our circumstances. I would normally say that God already knows, but this is where we must live out our gratitude and praise. ‘Live out’ means expressing our gratitude through praise. Praise is not just singing but a lifestyle, our attitude towards others, i.e., Can people see Christ through you? Does your life and actions reflect our Lord Jesus?
It is important to guard our hearts since out of the heart flows the issues of life. Moreover, we should not lose heart because we serve a God who does not slumber nor sleep. He is faithful to sustain us in our daily troubles and grief. So, we praise Him out of gratitude for Who He is.
King David, a former king of Israel, made flawed, selfish, and terrible decisions, but he loved the Lord. He never doubted God’s love and faithfulness towards him. His heart was full of thanksgiving and gratitude. He trusted and gave God glory through difficult times since Thanksgiving was a firm part of his life and never an afterthought. King David is an example of how to give thanks to God.
Thanksgiving is for both seasons on the sunlit mountaintop and the deep, dark valley. Apostle Paul also admonishes us to give thanks to God “in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As believers, therefore, let us not wait until our faith is so full and strong that Thanksgiving bursts at the seams, but practice Thanksgiving even when we’re fearful or worried. It’s part of how we set our eyes on God and cultivate faith in Him while we simultaneously push back against worry, fear, and anxiety.
Read: 2 Samuel 12:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 122; Hebrews 10:1-18; Ezekiel 19; Ezekiel 20:1-44
