Early this morning, I turned to one of my favorite Psalms. As I read Psalm 103:1-5, I realized again, what a great pattern for praise these words provide. Take a look with me:
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all of His benefits.”
With Thanksgiving being this week, it’s perfect to organize your thankful list! David gives us five reasons to praise God. Why not print this out and use it as a pattern for your praise as you give thanks this week?
He forgives all your sins. Think back over the last year. What sins have you struggled with? Anger, un-forgiveness, selfishness, gossip, judgementalism? How have you personally experienced God’s forgiveness? Write a prayer of praise, thanking Him for His grace and forgiveness in your life.
He heals all your diseases. I have friends who have battled cancer this last year. Others are battling illnesses like arthritis, chronic fatigue, or diabetes. Have you struggled with any illnesses over the past year? Has God healed? Or, has He sustained you to live beyond your illness? How has He met you on your sick bed?
He redeems your life from the pit. Whenever I read these words, I am reminded of a time in my life when I was in the pit; the pit of anxiety, depression and shame. God, in His mercy met me there and showed me exactly how to get out of that pit to live like the beloved daughter He had called me to be. Think back. Have you ever been in the pit? Maybe for you it was the pit of despair, the pit of resentment, or the pit of poverty. How has God redeemed your life from the pit?
He crowns you with love and compassion. My little granddaughter, Selah, is intrigued by crowns. They make her feel like a princess. You are as special to God as a prince or princess and He loves to shower love and compassion on you. Think back over the last year. What special unexpected blessings did God pour out on your life? In what ways did you experience His love and compassion in new ways? Write a prayer of thanksgiving expressing your gratitude.
He satisfies your desires with good things. All of us have dreams and desires. Many of these were actually planted in our hearts by God. As you think back over the past year, what dreams or desires of your heart, did God fulfill? In addition to praising Him for the dreams He has granted, praise Him in advance for the dreams and desires He will fulfill in the future.
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17 Responses
JUDI BRANDOW
Thank you, Becky! Through the years I have discovered the power of praise … and that God truly does inhabit the praises of his people.
BeckyHarling
Praising God changes everything doesn’t it, Judi? Happy Thanksgiving!~
Vanessa Yochim
This is a great reminder that even in a difficult season of shattered dreams and family struggles, God is sovereign and worthy of praise. I am so thankful for His presence every day.
BeckyHarling
Thanks, Vanessa! He is worthy of all of our praise!
Beth Dare
This is so encouraging and it blesses my heart, Becky! Thank you so much for sharing your heart…I will be sharing this with my family this week and also telling them about our friendship as little girls in New Jersey!
BeckyHarling
Ah, Beth! I’m so glad we’ve reconnected! Such precious memories of our childhood friendship!~
Jessa
This blog post is so timely and so precious to my soul. We are in a season where my husband and I are going through extreme medical issues that are draining us of strength, finances, joy, hope, and life. It’s been hard to see each other suffer deeply. All that to say, God has been whispering to my heart that despite the discouragement and tears, I need to continue to praise Him. Thank you for boldly speaking words of truth – God has used it to speak deeply to my heart today!!
BeckyHarling
Sending hugs to you, Jessa!! And, prayers for you and your hubby!
Linda
I have LOVED this book and would love to give one for Christmas! 🙂 Incorporating the praise songs is what makes it perfect for me. Hoping you’ll write another one soon! 🙂
BeckyHarling
Thanks, Linda!!
Stephen
We love this framework Becky! You have a wonderful way of inspiring people to lift their eyes above circumstance to see the eyes and hands of a God who is ever present and moving actively in us and soon, through us, to others in difficult or wonderful circumstances. This post made us want to write a new song. Reminded us that no valley or fear or trouble shall defeat us, with Jesus”
BeckyHarling
Oh Stephen, Thanks!! I can’t wait to hear the new song!!
Eileen
Thanks for sharing your joy filled heart. What an encouragement this Psalm is. With the holidays here, I am really feeling the absence of my Mom who was called Home in October. It makes my heart hurt. Praising God for her beautiful unselfish life and that she will celebrate her first Christmas with Jesus. So blessed to have met you in Schroon Lake. Praying for you too as you continue to minister to so many women.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
BeckyHarling
Happy Thanksgiving, Eileen! I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom. What a great example she set for you. Blessings to you, Becky
June
I am so thankful to have finally learned to give praises – I did not know the importance before…
Sarah Preston
Becky, I just heard your story on the family talk broadcast with Meg Meeker and that is what led me to your website. I am going to get your book for my grandmother, she is to the point of giving up. I believe there is power in our praises! God bless you and your testimony!
mina
Thank you for sharing your joy filled heart, that remains me that I should be more joyful. I have learned the 103 psalm by heart, and say it often when I can’t sleep at night but writing it out gives it so much more meaning. Thank you and God bless you