Is God Enough?—Encouragement From David’s PsalmsSample

Is Praising God Enough?

Did you notice the title for this devotional? The six others begin with “God’s [activity] is enough.” Six of our seven-day study suggest God is enough for ME. Today, we focus on our God and what He desires from us. True praise and worship focus on what we offer to God.

The first hurdle to praise is slowing our minds down to focus on only one thing! We’re bombarded with flashing lights, sound bites, and distractions. When we completely focus our minds and hearts on God, only then can we quietly contemplate who He is at the core of His words, His works, and His ways.

Praising God is different than thanking Him. Gratitude toward God means being thankful for the things He’s done. We can be thankful that the LORD provides food, but to praise Him, we must look beyond the food on our plates and the clothes on our backs. To praise Him as Creator and Provider, we praise Him for creating the soil, sea, and sunlight that helps both plants and animals grow. We can thank Him for our shelter and clothing, but how often do we praise Him for giving craftsmen their skill? Gratitude reminds us to thank God for His provision, but praise means lifting our face to heaven with awe at who He is and how He works.

Whenever my husband or I lead a “directed prayer” service, we use the simple A.C.T.S. acronym—adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication—to ensure that our prayers include every element of a rich and meaningful conversation with our God. The Book of Psalms is full of “praise prompts” for those who need help shifting our focus from me, me, me to You, You, You.

• Psalm 92 joyfully celebrates God's faithfulness and the beauty of creation.
• Psalm 100 invites all nations to praise God.
• Psalm 103 includes praise and gratitude for God’s forgiveness, healing, and love.
• Psalm 145 (David’s song) focuses praise on God’s greatness and attributes.
• Psalm 150 (David’s song) praises God for all living creatures.

Psalm 33:5b says, “…the earth is full of His unfailing love.” How could anyone declare that the earth was full of God’s love? Watch the nightly news. It focuses on violence, revenge, deception, and selfish ambition. But the psalmists can make such a declaration because their perspectives were changed when they praised God with all their heart, soul, mind, and body.

Praising God Is Enough to change my perspective on the world and my place in it.

Using Psalm 33 as praise prompts, worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for who He is, how He works, and the loving ways He blesses His children:

Psalm 33:1-6 – Praise the One who reigns over all the earth, and wonder that He also loves every human on the planet—including you.

Psalm 33:7-9 – Ponder His Creation and show your awe through praise.

Psalm 33:10-11 – Marvel at His power over all the nations, His vastness.

Psalm 33:12-17 – Praise Him for His-story (history) and that Israel faithfully—despite millennia of adversity—preserved His Word.

Psalm 33:18-19 – Reflect on His personal care for all those who fear Him.

Psalm 33:20-22 – Trust Him in the waiting, reminding Him and you that because of our sovereign, almighty God, we always have hope.