“Live, God! Blessing to my Rock, my towering Salvation-God!
This God set things right for me and shut up the people who talked back. He rescued me from enemy anger. You pulled me from the grip of upstarts, You saved me from the bullies. That’s why I’m thanking you, God, all over the world. That’s why I’m singing songs that rhyme your name. God’s king takes the trophy; God’s chosen is beloved. I mean David and all his children— always.”
                         —2 Samuel 22: 47-51 (Message Bible)

I don’t know, but I can guess, many of you, like me, had a praying mother and grandmother.  I’ve listened to the stories of miracles and blessings my mother has witnessed or been the recipient of.  I walk into her home and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit all around as a peaceful, tranquil environment.  I love to be at my Momma’s house.  It is easy for me to ask for her to pray for me.  I know my Mother’s prayers are answered by God.  I know her praise is received.

What has been a struggle for me until recently was always believing that my prayers would be answered…or my praise, received.  This confession may sound like I am an insecure Christian, and perhaps, at some points in my walk with the Lord, I have been insecure.  Not because I didn’t believe HE could do all things…but that He might not do it for me.

I am learning that I cannot depend on the prayers of  my Mother, Grandmother, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Best Friend, Just a Friend, Co-Worker, Hair-Dresser, Barista at Starbucks, Lady at the bus stop…(you get the point :-)) to make my walk in Christ complete.  No matter how many people pray for me, for you, for anyone…only we, ourselves, can choose to follow Christ into intimate relationship. As we lift up our personal, intimate praise toward God, we begin our own committed relationship with Him.  One where our prayers are answered…and our praise is received.

Like the scripture verse in Hebrews 13:15 says, we must offer our own individual sacrifice of praising God.  It is the righteous fruit of our lips to His ear.  In this honest, forthright communication with Him, God is moved and attentive to our need.  So when it hurts, praise Him.  When it’s past due, praise Him. When they get through gossiping about you, praise Him.  When the answers haven’t come yet, praise Him.  Praise Him continually…and let’s be taught by Him how to live and breathe and have our being inside His presence.  The Word of God says that God inhabits the praises of  His people, us…Israel; ” But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3-Authorized King James Version)

Be inspired to let your pain, sadness, fear, sorrow or trouble push you to open up your mouth and offer a sacrifice of praise to Him, Who is able to keep you from falling…and mounts you up with “wings as eagles.”

Until next post…Blessings,

VW1