Passage : Hebrews 13"Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God." Hebrews 13:15
Have you ever stopped to think about praise as a sacrifice? A sacrifice is usually something that costs us. Praise is generally a result of a thankful heart and just flows; it doesn't really cost us anything. But what about the times when we are not feeling so thankful: the hard times, the dark times? Paul is calling us to cultivate a thankful heart, a heart of praise even in those difficult times. It is our privilege to offer this sacrifice of praise even when things are not looking so good to our mortal eyes. Even in the saddest of times, there is something to turn our sorrow into singing, but we need to be searching for it. If we belong to Christ, it is our duty to cultivate a thankful heart; this is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. This is what Christianity is all about: sacrifice, a grateful heart and a trust in God in all aspects of our lives, even those we do not understand. We are called upon to offer up the sacrifice of praise, not only because it pleases God, but also because joy and gladness are a source of strength to the soul. When life is dark, that is when we need strength more than any other time in our life. So take a lesson from the Apostle Paul, when things are not going your way, when life has gotten you down, step back and offer God the sacrifice of praise. Praise Him for knowing better than you do. Praise Him for what He has done for you in the past. Praise Him for what he is accomplishing in your heart right now, this very minute and as you begin to feel the joy of the Lord taking the place of the darkness in your life, praise Him again. Praise Him for the miracle of sacrifice: you may think it costs you something, but the return is so much more than you could ever hope. That is the mystery of the sacrifice of praise to God!
Resource : qwchristiandevotions
