“Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.” (PSALM 119:164)
During automobile races, the drivers take pit stops to refuel and make adjustments on their cars. They must stop and recalibrate in order to compete and complete the race. The psalmist took regular praise pit stops, or breaks, throughout the day. We know that David, most likely the author of Psalm 119, valued the Lord so much that he devoted specific time periods for praise all through his day. He didn’t just write about praise— he lived it. He praised God seven times a day. Imagine that! Multiple times. . . every single day David lifted his heart and voice to God in praise! This wasn’t a weekly ritual or an occasional burst of devotion. It was a lifestyle. David mastered the art of disciplined praise by continually practicing it, and so should we!
Praise plays a dominant role throughout the Bible. In the book of Psalms alone, the word “praise” appears 214 times. The familiar refrain “Praise the Lord” is repeated thirty-five times in Scripture. This repetitive emphasis tells us something important: praise is not a side note in the life of faith; it is predominant. Paul plainly stated that Christ was to have the preeminence “in all things” (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is far better than anything the world offers, and He must have the highest place!
Praise is the greatest endeavor on earth. Praise fills heaven. Since both angels and the redeemed will engage in endless praise for all eternity, why would it be neglected now by earthbound mortals? God is the Supreme Lord of the entire universe. He deserves our utmost devotion and adoration. David prioritized praise. His pattern of praise is worthy of emulation. To get in step with eternity, we must praise God throughout the day. . . every day.
The body of Christ and individual believers, too, are called to four basic disciplines: worship, the Word, witness, and work. All are essential and important. All four work together in unison. I believe when worship is given its rightful place, it will breathe life into the other disciplines. All creatures of our God and King were created to worship.
So how should we worship? The apostle John wrote, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (4:24). Worship involves “spirit”—it must be heartfelt. But it must also be based on “truth”; that means accurate facts found in the Bible. It seems to me that many emphasize the cerebral aspect to the exclusion of affection, or passion, and vice versa, depending on their tradition. But we are called to worship God daily with our whole being— both our hearts and minds.
I am not recommending a kind of modified positive thinking so we can just “feel better.” Not at all! To state it again, praise happens when humans worship their Creator in a proper manner. The better we know the Lord, the more fully will we be able to offer God-exalting praise.
Praise pit stops are greatly beneficial. As He is lifted up in our hearts, our souls are lifted up. Not only do we dishonor God when we don’t praise Him, but we also do ourselves a disservice when we fail to refuel our hearts and minds through praise breaks. Exalting God is the purpose of praise. But the worshipper derives benefits as well. In that sense, praise is restorative.
I am thoroughly convinced that praise is largely neglected today. Let’s be honest; sometimes living can take the life right out of us! It is easy to get so weighed down and preoccupied with living that we neglect the Lord. When life becomes overwhelming, too often the result is deficient praise. If we are not intentional in our efforts, we can fall prey to ingratitude and grumbling. I believe recurring pit stops of praise will enhance our appreciation for God and His mercies. They will refocus our minds on what is paramount. The goal of this 21-Day Praise Challenge is to get our hearts in step with the biblical norm of praising God throughout the day. . . every day. David praised God seven times a day. . . and we can too!
TODAY’S PRAISE PROJECTS
- Memorize and meditate on Psalm 119:164, “Seven times a day do I praise. . . ” Kneel or bow silently in His presence, meditating on one aspect of His character.
- Come before God with music. Sing your favorite chorus or hymn. Or play a song on your device that exalts God in your heart and mind.
- Set the alarm button on your phone to sound off seven times a day as a reminder that it’s your time to praise.
Taken from Day 1 of ABLAZE! The 21-Day Praise Challenge by Harold Vaughan.
