By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. (Heb 13:15 KJV – emphasis added)
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. (Ps 30:12)
Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard . . . (Ps 66:8)
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. (Ps 104:33)
The Word reminds us in many different Bible passages to praise the Lord, and to praise Him continually. In Hebrews, we are instructed to offer the “sacrifice of praise,” which may mean that God expects us to praise Him even when we don’t feel well, and even when our life circumstances are difficult and painful to us.
In these types of situations, praise truly feels like a sacrifice. But praising God in the midst of difficulty is obedience to His Word, and the Lord appreciates our obedience.
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Sam 15:22)
Our praise to God is the best and highest fruit that our lips can produce! We all know that words—the harvest of our lips—can be uplifting or hurtful, encouraging or critical. It’s our job and responsibility to be sure that our words bless all who hear them.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Eph 4:29)
The test of our words is: will they edify the hearers? Edify means to enlighten, inform, educate, or improve. Will our words improve the hearers? If not, then they’re best left unsaid.
Words that praise the Lord and bring Him glory will bring us blessings and will edify all who hear them. Let our lips and our words SERVE us, rather than harm us or anyone else. Let us determine to guard our words from this moment forward, that we may be blessed!
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