I have begun the practice of praising God in all things. Not just for the good things in my life which I was already doing, but for the challenges and trials as well. Praise God for my limited finances. Praise God for whatever I am stewing about. Praise God for that argument I just had with my teenager. Praise God for the abuse I experienced years ago.
This seems counter-intuitive. But, what I have learned is that praising God in all things invites God into the situation. It helps me reframe the situations into a more positive light where I see the growth and blessing. It neutralizes the anxiety I’m feeling. It promotes miracles in my life. It changes relationships for the better.
My first thoughts of the morning are in praising God. When my thoughts go negative, I start praising God. When I see or experience something beautiful, I praise God. When I see or experience something negative, I praise God.
I lost my dad many years ago. It is still sad. But I started praising God for it. I now see the blessings I have received. I feel a closeness with my dad that is stronger. My health was very bad for a long time. It’s been 5 years since I was healed. I am praising God for both the bad health and my recovery. My past is being reframed into a more positive light. Who knew we could change the past?
The key is to praise God for the situation as it is now or as it was. It is to understand that all things work for our good and to trust in God’s plan for us. The key is not to expect miracles, but to praise God when they do come. And they will come. The miracle may “just” be the change of heart you have about a person or situation. It may be a change in your situation.
This practice has brought overflowing joy into my life. It has brought an overflowing sense of gratitude into my days. I feel a deep peace.
