How can we praise God for His "wonders planned long ago" in our lives? Anchoring Our Praise in Isaiah 25:1 “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You; I will praise Your name. For You have worked wonders—plans formed long ago in perfect faithfulness.” (Isaiah 25:1) Recognizing the Wonders Planned Long Ago - God’s works are not improvisations; they are “plans formed long ago.” - His faithfulness stretches from eternity past into our present moment (Psalm 33:11; Ephesians 1:4–6). - Every detail of redemption, provision, and sanctification displays His flawless forethought (Romans 8:28–30). Practical Ways to Praise Him 1. Verbal Praise • Begin each day by echoing Isaiah’s words: “Lord, You are my God.” • Speak aloud specific wonders—salvation, answered prayer, unexpected provision. 2. Scriptural Celebration • Read passages that highlight God’s eternal purposes: – “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us…” (Psalm 40:5). – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God…” (Romans 11:33). • Turn these verses into declarations of gratitude. 3. Testimony Sharing • Tell others how the Lord’s ancient plan intersected your life—salvation stories, pivotal moments, daily mercies. • Encourage fellowship around God’s foresight (Malachi 3:16). 4. Obedient Living • Praise is completed by trust-filled obedience (John 14:15). • When His plan diverges from your preference, respond like Job: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21). 5. Worship through Music • Sing hymns and songs that spotlight God’s eternal counsel—“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “How Great Thou Art.” • Make playlists of Scripture-based worship to keep praise on your lips throughout the day (Ephesians 5:19–20). Living Memorials of Grace - Keep a gratitude journal; record “wonders” as they unfold. - Celebrate spiritual birthdays and milestones, remembering the long-ago plan that secured them (Joshua 4:1–7). - Mark answered prayers on a household timeline so future generations see God’s consistency (Psalm 78:4). Further Scriptures That Fuel Praise - Jeremiah 29:11 — His plans are for welfare, formed before we asked. - 2 Timothy 1:9 — Grace given “before time began.” - Revelation 13:8 — The Lamb slain “from the foundation of the world,” proving the cross was no afterthought. Everyday Praise Checklist ☐ Start the morning with Isaiah 25:1. ☐ Speak at least one recent “wonder” to another believer. ☐ Read a passage on God’s eternal plan. ☐ Sing a song exalting His faithfulness. ☐ End the day by noting a fresh mercy in your journal. |