Praise places our focus on God. One major benefit of praise is that it refocuses our minds. Instead of dwelling on a problem or situation, your focus is turned to the greatness of God. Paul new this when he wrote to the Philippians, “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:7)
Paul is aware that some of those who have not only begun well on their faith journey, who have journeyed well, and struggled for the gospel, now appear to be having second thoughts. Perhaps they are counting the cost of following Jesus and are hesitating, and even now contemplating turning back.
A graduate who was a fine scholar and had a noble spirit volunteered to be a counsellor at a summer camp. Despite her abilities, she was required to peel potatoes in the kitchen. The leader of the camp, realising that this was quite a menial task for such a talented and highly intellectual young woman exclaimed, "It's too bad that a young woman of your education should have to peel potatoes."
The graduate, a Christian looked up brightly and replied, "But, remember, I don't have to think about potatoes while I'm peeling them."
The application is obvious. You can keep your soul out of the dust no matter what your task, if you centre your thoughts on the things mentioned in our text in the spirit of praise.
An encounter with God is a dynamic, a two-way spiritual phenomenon, and we should have an expectation that God will lead us in our praise and worship, sometimes in a direction we didn’t expect or plan for.
Praising God allows the Holy Spirit to discipline our minds by dismissing suspicion and replacing it with hope and trust. What praise enables is that we can forego grudges and even flout envy. It enables us to be appreciative, be kind, be gentle. Perhaps we need to rejoice in the Lord a little more. Take pleasure in beauty and virtue. Clear away the cobwebs of doubt, frustration, and anger. Let our minds dwell on Christ and allow him to beautify your lifestyle.
God of peace,
cause us to rejoice in you always,
make us gentle to everyone,
keep us from being anxious about anything—
help us to ask you for what we need, with thanksgiving;
and let your peace
guard our hearts and minds
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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