Have you joined me in the challenging of praising God twice every time you hear yourself complain?I’ve been trying this, and it is not easy. Studies of behavior say that a habit is formed if you repeat the behavior for 21 days. I’m on day two, and as difficult as this new behavior is, I persist.What are my primary reasons for these efforts? I believe that the more I praise God the more God will bless me. Sounds selfish? God created me to enjoy Him. By praising Him, I find joy in His presence. AND He wants to bless me, simply because that is His nature. He loves us!Here are some examples:Complaint: “Oh, shucks. My back is aching again.”(After confessing that complaint, I offer up my praises.)Praise one: “LORD, I praise You. My back is supporting me and I am walking around.” Praise two: “I praise you for your healing power which is at work in me, even if I don’t see it.”Complaint: “Ah shoot! My basement is wet again.”(I confess that I whined before I pray.): Praise one: “I praise you for the rain which our earth and crops need.” Praise two: “I praise you that I have a house AND a full basement; many people don’t.”Complaint: “Ugh! That person sure was mean to me.”(LORD I’m sorry for my attitude.) Praise One: “I praise you that this hurt gives me a chance to feel Your comfort IN me.” Praise Two: “I praise you for the opportunity to do what you said, Jesus, — to turn the other cheek.”So start praising more frequently, more regularly, more habitually.Praise reminds us of how blessed we are.Praise moves us deeper into God.
