How can we ensure our praise is genuine, as warned in Psalm 78:36? The Warning in Psalm 78:36 “But they flattered Him with their mouth and lied to Him with their tongue.” (Psalm 78:36) Israel’s history records moments when lips proclaimed devotion while hearts stayed distant. God calls this flattery—a surface show that masks inner rebellion. The verse presses every believer to examine personal worship: Is my praise sincere or merely polite religion? Recognizing Hollow Praise Signs that praise has slipped into flattery: • Words come easily, but private life stays unchanged (Isaiah 29:13). • Worship gatherings stir emotion, yet repentance never follows (Joel 2:12-13). • Gratitude is voiced only when circumstances are favorable (Job 1:21). • Boasting about spiritual experiences replaces humble gratitude (Matthew 15:8). Steps Toward Authentic Praise 1. Daily Heart Inspection – Invite the Spirit to search motives (Psalm 139:23-24). – Confess any hypocrisy immediately (1 John 1:9). 2. Root Praise in the Gospel – Recall specific works of God: creation (Psalm 19:1-4), redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8), present grace (Lamentations 3:22-23). – Let thanksgiving rise from what Christ accomplished, not what we achieve (Hebrews 13:15). 3. Align Words with Obedience – Offer yourself before offering your song (Romans 12:1). – Practice acts of mercy and justice; they give weight to sung praise (Micah 6:6-8). 4. Keep Praise Scripture-Saturated – Sing and pray passages that reveal God’s character (Psalm 145). – Memorize verses so praise flows naturally through the day (Colossians 3:16). 5. Cultivate Private Worship – Meet God in secret first; public praise then overflows (Matthew 6:6). – Journal answered prayers and providences, building a history of gratitude (Psalm 103:2). 6. Guard Against Routine – Rotate Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to keep heart engagement fresh (Ephesians 5:19). – Fast occasionally, coupling physical hunger with spiritual longing (Matthew 6:17-18). Scriptures that Model Genuine Praise • Hannah: “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD.” (1 Samuel 2:1-2) • David: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1) • Mary: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47) • Paul and Silas: singing at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25). Self-Check: Heart Alignment • Does my lifestyle confirm what my lips declare? (James 1:22) • Is my praise consistent in trials and triumphs? (Habakkuk 3:17-18) • Am I more impressed with God’s character than with His gifts? (Psalm 63:3) Fruit of Genuine Praise • Deeper joy independent of circumstances (Philippians 4:4). • Increased sensitivity to sin and quicker repentance (Psalm 51:17). • Greater unity with fellow believers (Romans 15:5-6). • Bold witness to the world, magnifying Christ (1 Peter 2:9). When mouth and heart move in unison, praise ceases to be flattery and becomes a fragrant offering that delights the Lord. |
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