January 24
The Sacrifice
of Praise
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Daily Steps
We often offer praise when we feel like it—when circumstances are good and we are naturally happy. However, true, peace-securing gratitude often requires us to offer a "sacrifice of praise." A sacrifice is something costly; it's something you give even when it hurts or when you don't feel like it.
When worry or discouragement is heavy, choosing to speak words of praise and thankfulness is a spiritual act that breaks the cycle of negative thinking. It is an act of faith that says, "My feelings and my circumstances are temporary, but God's worthiness is eternal."
This is a powerful practice for overcoming anxiety. By using your "lips that openly profess his name" in thankfulness, you are actively moving your heart from self-pity and fear to God's presence, where true peace resides. This intentional, sacrificial praise is what stabilizes your soul when everything else feels unstable.
Reflective Question
What is one thing you can praise God for today, even though you don't feel like it? What specific worry can you choose to counter with a verbal declaration of God's goodness right now?
Prayer
Lord, I bring You a sacrifice of praise today, even though my heart is heavy with worry. I thank You for Your unwavering goodness and faithfulness.
Help me to use my lips to continually profess Your name. Move me from fear to faith, and let this act of worship restore Your peace to my soul. Amen.
