How can we "bless the LORD" daily in our personal lives today? Key Verse “But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 115:18) The Call to Bless the LORD To “bless the LORD” is to speak well of Him, delight in Him, and actively honor His name. Scripture never pictures this as a momentary event; it is a way of life that flows from a heart convinced of God’s goodness and sovereignty (Psalm 103:1-2; Psalm 34:1). Foundational Attitudes • Awe: keeping a high view of God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:3) • Gratitude: consciously remembering His benefits (Psalm 103:2) • Obedience: showing love through doing what He says (John 14:15) • Trust: resting in His character, especially in trials (Psalm 56:3-4) • Humility: recognizing every gift is from His hand (James 1:17) Daily Practices that Bless the LORD • Begin the day with praise: sing a hymn or speak a psalm aloud before any other activity (Hebrews 13:15). • Read and receive the Word: a steady diet of Scripture shapes thoughts and actions (James 1:22). • Pray continually: weave short, honest prayers through work, errands, and conversations (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Give thanks in all circumstances: verbalize gratitude for small mercies and hard providences alike (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • End the day recounting His faithfulness: review answered prayers and unexpected blessings. Blessing Him with Words • Speak graciously: refuse “unwholesome talk,” choosing words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Share His works: tell family and friends how He has acted in your life (Psalm 66:16). • Public praise: when opportunities arise, acknowledge God’s goodness openly (Matthew 5:16). Blessing Him through Relationships • Extend forgiveness quickly, just as you have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). • Serve others cheerfully; every act of love to people is service rendered to Him (Matthew 25:40). • Guard unity within the body of Christ, pursuing reconciliation and peace (Romans 14:19). Blessing Him with Stewardship • Finances: set aside the “firstfruits,” giving intentionally and joyfully (Proverbs 3:9). • Time: schedule priorities around His purposes, not merely personal convenience (Colossians 3:23). • Body: honor Him with purity, health, and self-control as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). Blessing Him in Trials • Trust His goodness when circumstances darken; praise becomes a sacrifice that deeply honors Him (Psalm 50:23). • Refuse grumbling; instead, express confidence that He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28). • Testify afterward to His sustaining grace, strengthening others’ faith (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Lifelong Perspective Psalm 115:18 links “now” with “forevermore.” Each ordinary day is rehearsal for eternal worship. Continual praise today trains the heart for endless praise tomorrow, ensuring that blessing the LORD is both our present joy and our future occupation. |