Prayer, Praise and Promises 9/1

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9 1 Corinthians 1:9 Psalm 107 Hebrews 4:16 Psalm 31:19-20 Psalm 27:13 Romans 8:19-23 Genesis 1:31 Psalm 33:5 Acts 14:17 Psalm 25:8-9 Psalm 23:6 1 Peter 1:3 Psalm 119:75 1 Corinthians 10:13 Hebrews 13:8 Psalm 100:5

Why We Should Praise the Lord

Read Psalm 100:5

Praise is the highest use of man's faculties. When we contemplate the attributes of God, we can't help but thank and praise Him. This verse speaks of three of God's attributes that make Him worthy of our praise.

First, we see His goodness. It's part of God's nature to be kind and benevolent. He is not frowning upon us; He's smiling on us through Jesus. We see His goodness in creation (Gen. 1:31; Ps. 33:5), even though man has wrecked it (Rom. 8:19-23). God even shows His goodness to the unsaved nations of the world (Acts 14:17). His goodness ought to lead to man's gladness.

His goodness keeps us from fainting (Ps. 27:13). He gives us courage (v. 14). God wants to guide us (25:8,9) and protect us (31:19,20). We should respond to His goodness in three ways: (1) We should be repentant; (2) we should want to enjoy Him; and (3) we should draw near to Him.

Next, we see His mercy. (Ps. 23:6). When God is merciful, He does not give us what we deserve, which is eternal death for our sins. Mercy is forever a part of His nature (Heb. 4:16; I Pet. 1:3; Ps. 107).

Last, we see His faithfulness. This attribute speaks of God's reliability and stability. He is faithful to chasten us (Ps. 119:75). He is faithful to confirm us (I Cor. 1:9). He is faithful to care for us and give us victory over temptation (I Cor. 10:13). He is faithful to forgive us (I John 1:9). God is not going to change (Heb. 13:8). He is faithful in all He does. Share with your children and your grandchildren that God is good, merciful and faithful.

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God's goodness, mercy and faithfulness reveal much about Him. The more you contemplate His attributes, the more you can praise Him.

Psalm 100:5 (New International Version)

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.