How can we practically "praise" God for being "fearfully and wonderfully made"? The Heartbeat of Psalm 139:14 “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14) Praise Starts with Perspective • God crafted you personally (Genesis 1:27). • His design is intentional, not accidental (Ephesians 2:10). • Recognizing this truth fuels genuine praise. Practical Ways to Voice Praise • Sing truth-filled songs that celebrate God’s craftsmanship. • Speak gratitude aloud during daily routines—thank Him while getting dressed, eating, working. • Keep a “wonder journal,” recording moments when you notice His handiwork in your body and abilities. • Join corporate worship, adding your voice to others who celebrate the same Creator. Praise Through Stewardship • Nourish your body with wholesome food and adequate rest (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Exercise as an act of gratitude, not vanity. • Guard moral purity—honor God with your body (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • Schedule regular rhythms of Sabbath rest, acknowledging your limits and His sufficiency. Praise Through Service • Use your hands to help, your feet to go, your voice to encourage (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Volunteer skills—teaching, building, cooking—as a thank-offering. • Offer daily work as worship, doing tasks “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Praise Through Contentment and Gratitude • Thank God for features you once criticized—hair, height, scars. • Celebrate diverse body types in others, resisting comparison (2 Corinthians 10:12). • Replace self-degrading talk with Scripture affirmations. Praise in the Face of Weakness and Suffering • Acknowledge God’s strength displayed in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Testify to His faithfulness during illness or disability—your story magnifies His power. • Pray for healing while trusting His good purposes either way. Praise by Valuing Every Human Life • Protect the unborn and advocate for vulnerable neighbors (Proverbs 24:11). • Show dignity to the elderly, disabled, and marginalized—each bears God’s image (Matthew 25:40). • Give generously to ministries that uphold life and human worth. Living Daily in Wonder • Begin mornings with Psalm 139:14; end nights reviewing the day’s evidences of His workmanship. • Walk outside often—feel your heartbeat, breathe deeply, marvel at sensory gifts. • Let every heartbeat echo back praise: “Lord, You made this moment possible.” |