THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Psalms 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Jewish traditions willed that a pious man would praise God seven times a day. Twice in the morning before reading the Decalogue, and once after; twice in the evening before the same reading, and twice after; making in the whole seven times.

Any king wanting to show piety would make sure to respect these timings, but King David seemed to have had a prayer life that was much deeper than the shallow routine of rituals. This king had seen his shares of troubles. To be able to sincerely praise God for His righteous judgments, he had to have a special intimate understanding of God’s ways in his life. David left home at a young age to sing for a mad king. He later had to flee form this same insane king to protect his life. He became a fugitive from his own country, which he had saved from domination. To top it all, he lost the first son from the woman he loved, and because of his sin, the sword never departed from his house, and evil constantly rose from his family (2 Samuel 12:9-11).

How nice it would be if during the course ofa troubled day we would stop whatever it is we’re doing for a time of prayer and praise. It would change our perspective on things and give us peace; it may even help us make better decisions.

Lord, help us today to remember to praise you for your goodness, your care, your protection, your love, and your righteous judgments.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.