Hopeful Praise

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. - Psalm 103:2


One of my friends was in tears on a beautiful summer day, unable to deal with life's difficulties. Another could not look beyond the life-altering sadnesses of her past. Still another struggled with the closing of the small church he had pastored faithfully. A fourth friend had lost his job at a local ministry.

What can our strunggling friends - or any of us - do to find hope? Where do we turn when tomorrow offers no happy promises?

We can praise or "bless" the Lord, as David said in Psalm 103. In the middle of trouble, acknoledging God's role in our lives can redirect our thinking from the hurts of our hearts and force us to dwell instead on the greatness of our God. David knew trouble. He faced the threat of enemies, the consequences of his own sin, and the challenges of sorrow. Yet he also recognized the healing power of praise.

That's why in Psalm 130 he an list reasons to turn our attention to God, who gives us many benefits: He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and renews us. David reminds us that God provides justice and righteouness, and He is gracious and loving.

Take it from David: Praising God's greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. - Dave Branon


Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing! - Lyte

Praise can lighten your heaviest burden.

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Psalms 103:1-14

Praise Yahweh, my soul All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise Yahweh, my soul, And don't forget all his benefits; Who forgives all your sins; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your desire with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Yahweh executes righteous acts, His deeds to the children of Israel. Yahweh is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; Neither will he stay angry forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor repaid us for our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his loving kindness towards those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us. For he knows we are made. He remembereds that we are dust.

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Give the burden to God when praise Him... that's what I understand praise hopefully... sometimes we sing just to sing... but the lyrics or melody didn't touch deep in our heart... it is quiet dangerous... as no correct motive to sing the song...

Praise and worship... we always heard... and how many of us really can make it? If no ones leading, who can lead the crowd? meanwhile, not only to sing, but to be a tube for God to pass His message or healing or bless or anything else to other...

Could not praise hopefully usually because of 2 reasons... not willing to do so... trust to God is not firm enough...

I don't know is it I have no trouble... or I have no worries... maybe because of my mind-set... I didn't feel anything that is really too hard for me to get it...

For example, youth camp... my mom was disagree... but I prayed... no answer... till dateline still no answer... it was quiet nervous, because I really wish to go... however, I didn't really upset... I do what that whatever it is, it is God's will... and it is the best for me... :) ... and within 24 hours before youth camp, I was confirmed to go... Praise the Lord! and thank God... :)

Praise hopefully... Praise no worries... Praise with joy...