“25For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. 26For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.” – 1 Chronicles 16:25-27 (ESV)
It is hard for me to praise others for the work they have done or the actions they take for one reason specifically; “Where is the praise for the work I do or actions I take?” I find myself going through the day continuing to do what is asked of me and impacting others in a positive way, only to realize that there was little to know recognition of the work performed.
I know it sounds selfish to want recognition and I suppose that maybe I am. I will clarify a bit though. I do not look for awards, rewards, or trophies. The recognition I seek is to be shown that I matter and am appreciated.
God provides the recognition I seek, and oddly enough it is through our praise of Him and others. Our focus should be on God and doing His work. And, when we are in line with that, our joy comes. Notice as I combine verses 25 and 27 from above: “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…strength and joy are in his place.” See that? When we are spending our time praising God and doing His work we find strength and joy.
Now, how do I get strength and joy in my everyday life? Well, by praising God. And, by praising others. When I am in a state of praise, how can bitterness creep in? If I am focused on doing the work of God and praising Him, how can selfishness and concern for the recognition I receive get under my skin? I have to remember that “Praise benefits us because it takes our minds off our problems and needs and focuses on God’s power, mercy, majesty, and love. (NIV Commentary v25)”
When you look at the day, where is your focus? Are you looking to praise others and God, or looking for praise from others and God? Are you allowing your praise of God to benefit you?
Trevor's Thoughts 