Vocabulary of Praise

When I get to Heaven I don’t want to be put in a remedial praise class. 

I’m not sure about the theology of that statement, but you get the idea: I want to be such a “praiser” that it comes naturally, here or there. 

It’s not difficult to praise God when the sun is shining, your bank account is healthy, you’re surrounded by people you love, and there’s purposeful work to do. 

But on days when storms are unceasing, bills are unending, people are frustrating and work is drudgery, praise may not the first thing to pop out of your mouth. 

God's been teaching me about perspective and praise, so I came up with a phrase to help me remember the lessons. 

“Romans 8:28 is not a typo.” 

Is it true that God is working all things together for my good? Absolutely. Might not feel good, might not seem good, and might not be the end of the story. But His promises are trustworthy. So when challenges come I am learning to say, “God, I trust you to work this together for my good and your glory.” 

I’ve also made subtle shifts in semantics. I no longer say “Dear God, thank you for this food.” Instead I pray “God, thank you for this feast.” I’ve traveled enough to know if a plate has food on it, it’s a feast. 

An interesting thing is happening as my perspective shifts. My vocabulary of praise is expanding. I find myself using more words that point to God and His goodness. Instead of being my last thought or even an afterthought, praise is sneaking up the list and often becomes my first thought.

Writing this blog is one way I plan to keep praise at the forefront of my life. And since “Wow Dee Wow” was a part of my Mom’s Vocabulary of Praise (for when a simple “Wow!” wouldn’t do), it’s a fitting title. 

So whether it’s “Yay God! Hooray and Hallelujah! Look at God! Praise the Lord! or Thank Ya Jesus,” let’s join the Psalmist in declaring “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will continually be on my lips.”

15 comments:

  1. Love this post..I too have traveled enough to know any food on a plate is a feast. Great perspective, keep us focus on the how to praise Him. thanks.

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Betty! I'm excited about "braggin' on God" here each Wednesday. Your prayers are appreciated!

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    1. Thank you, Denise. I appreciate your encouragement and pray that what I write here each Wednesday will make God smile :)

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  3. Thanks for including me on your BOG. I remember days when our refrigerator was empty and no food in the house. To look at any amount of food on a plate as a feast is a profound perspective. Our blessings are many and your blog is a reminder to me to not take my blessing for granted.

    Thank you again.

    Matthew

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    1. Thanks for that encouragement, Matthew! So glad you like the BOG BLOG :) See you "back here" soon :)

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  4. One of my favorite verses is "Listen, all you who fear God, let me tell you what He has done for me!"

    Like you, Kim, I want praise for my Abba to be the first thing that comes out of my mouth and my mind. My default is adoration!

    May God bless you as you obey Him in your blog ministry. Wow Dee Wow, indeed!

    Jenn

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    1. That's a great verse, Jenn! Thanks for sharing it here. Love your comment "My default is adoration!" Thanks for your encouragement, Jenn! Yay God :)

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  5. " I will praise you in this storm" by Casting Crowns really sums it all up for me. Praise come easy when times are good but should be ten-fold when the going is tough! Thank you for reminding us that every day, all day, is a good time to praise our awesome God! Looking forward to seeing your blog next Wednesday!

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    1. Love the lyrics of that powerful song--thanks for the reminder! I appreciate your encouragement. Yay God!

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  6. Great reminder! Too often we do forget to praise God, in good or bad circumstances. This reminds me of the song "Blessed be the name of the Lord" - also about praising God in bad times and good. :)

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement, and yes, this serves as a reminder to me, too! The song "Blessed be the name of the Lord" is a great "theme" song. Glad you mentioned it: now it's playing in my mind!

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  7. Love it!! Nothing I love more than a believer who is NOT ashamed to show his/her praise for our Lord! Thanks so much for reminding us that we have SO much to give Him praise for! Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercies endure forever!!!!

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement! My prayer is that my weekly post will cause me and those who read it to brag on God! (So this is a B.O.G. Blog :) He is SOOOOO worthy of our praise. God bless you for commenting!

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  8. Great post on praise Kim ! I too want to be a woman who is more inclined to give praise than to complain about life's inconveniences. A scripture that comes to mind right now is :

    For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,(B) since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

    Wow Dee Wow indeed ! God is awesome !

    I found your blog via Gail's Bible Love Notes. Thanks for posting such encouragement. God bless you and have a beautiful day.

    Gertrude @ www.achosenremnant.com

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Each week I write a BOG (Brag On God) post. My prayer is that my words will invite you to brag on God, too. And together we'll make God smile.