Heart of Worship: 30 Days to Deeper PraiseSample

Hi there, it’s Stephanie with Essential Worship and we are honored to bring you today’s Scripture from Psalm 100:4 (NIV):

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Though this Scripture is encouraging, hopeful, and joyous - there are seasons of life when our hearts are not in agreement with thanksgiving and praise. Has it ever felt impossible for you to thank the Lord because your circumstances feel too heavy? Have you ever been consumed by doubt, shame, anxiety, or hopelessness? If so, you are not alone. Jesus is walking right next to you, holding your hand, and also felt rejected, lonely, and exhausted while on earth.

While our circumstances and emotions may change day-to-day, we have good news for you, friend! Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His character has always been loving, peaceful, and kind. He is greater than your finances, diagnosis, swirling mind, depression, and heartbreak. He already defeated your situation when He took the cross and that alone is worthy of all our praise.

Did you wake up this morning?

Do you have a roof over your head?

Did you eat food and drink water today?

Is Jesus with you?

Is the Lord greater than every problem you endure?

It’s a resounding “yes!” from us.

When you focus on all He is doing in your life amid the pain, it’s impossible not to praise Him! We can face the hardest of trials and still have thanksgiving on our lips because He is good. With praise, we find that our troubles tend to slip away and our hearts are instead filled with joy. Though it can be hard and though it does not always align with the desires of the flesh - giving praise to God is the best way to receive the peace, love, and joy you have been seeking. The Lord is good, and His love endures forever.

Psalm 100:4 calls us to delight in the Lord with gladness and invites us into a deeper intimacy with Him. We are His sheep, and He is the Good Shepherd. In Him, you have everything. We encourage you to pray with assurance that He can move mountains regardless of life’s most difficult challenges. Today, bring him thanksgiving and praise for all He has done and will continue to do in your life!