(Day 21 of a series called “23 days to a better devotional life.†I’m posting daily this month on devotions. Wow. I’m almost done.)
To me, there’s a difference between thanksgiving and praise. Thanksgiving has to do with what God has done for us while praise has to do with who God is.
For example, I give thanks to God for helping me get a good grade on my exam. I praise Him because He is super-intelligent. (In fact, He knows all things).
Here’s another example. I give thanks to God for giving me peace about making a tough decision. I praise Him because He never worries or gets stressed out.
I’ve given thanks and made requests to God in my blog, so today I’ll praise God for 15 things.
God, I praise You because…
- You are holy
- You are everywhere at all times
- You have always existed
- You are perfect
- You are unchanging
- You are trustworthy
- You are loving
- You are just
- You are merciful
- You created all things
- You are patient
- You are powerful
- You are totally in control
- You are generous
- You know us better than we know ourselves
4 responses so far ↓
Kendall // Mar 6, 2006 at 9:32 am
I like the distinction you’ve made between thanksgiving and praise. I’d not looked at it like that before, but it makes perfect sense. Even when I don’t see something to thank God for, I can still praise Him for who He is. And maybe that’ll open my eyes so I can see something I can thank Him for.
dee // Mar 6, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Yeah, it’s awesome how “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). We can always praise Him no matter our circumstances. Now, do we always feel like praising Him? Nope. That’s a habit each of us should develop: praising Him at all times.
I like your last sentence. I never thought of praise as helping us see things to be thankful for.
As usual, another insightful thought from you. Thanks.
mom // Mar 9, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Awesome distinction of praise and thanksgiving! Some author wrote that praise is one of the highest forms of worship; likewise, I read that thanksgiving is equally a form of worshiping God. After I wrote your exact list of who God is and why we praise Him I cried out in AWE of how blest i am; that I worship such a powerful God and He gave me the privilege to be His child and friend. These make me more and more trusting that He is there ALWAYS. I looked out ofmy window and saw the budding trees of spring, the clear blue sky, the soft touch of sunshine, the singing birds, the lovely day…..and I said ” my connection with Him thro’ Bible study and prayer is now long overdue, Lord plese forgive me and take me in your loving arms and don’t let me go. Thanks a lot, Dee..
dee // Mar 14, 2006 at 10:09 pm
You’re welcome, mom. Glad I could help.
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