Why is wholehearted praise important in our relationship with God?

Wholehearted Praise Defined

• “Hallelujah! I will praise the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.” (Psalm 111:1)

• Wholehearted = nothing held back, no mixed motives, no divided loyalties.

• Praise = vocal, visible, sincere celebration of God’s character and works.

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What Psalm 111:1 Demonstrates

• Personal decision: “I will praise…”—the psalmist chooses praise, not waiting for feelings.

• Total involvement: “with all my heart”—mind, emotions, will, body engaged.

• Public setting: “in the council…in the assembly”—wholehearted praise is meant to be heard and seen among God’s people.

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Why God Desires All of Us

• He commands it: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5; cf. Matthew 22:37)

• He is worthy: “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised.” (Psalm 145:3) Anything less than wholehearted praise understates His worth.

• He redeemed us fully, so He rightly expects full-hearted response (1 Corinthians 6:20).

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Wholehearted Praise Shapes Us

• Reminds us of His benefits: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)

• Re-centers our thoughts on truth, guarding against anxiety and distraction (Philippians 4:4-7).

• Strengthens faith; declaring His deeds aloud rehearses His faithfulness (Psalm 111:2-4).

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Wholehearted Praise Witnesses to Others

• Builds up the congregation: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you…singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)

• Evangelistic impact: outsiders hear God’s greatness proclaimed (Psalm 96:3).

• Previews heaven: gathered praise foreshadows the countless worshipers in Revelation 4-5.

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Cultivating a Whole Heart of Praise

• Meditate daily on His works (Psalm 111:2).

• Speak gratitude out loud—at home, in the car, walking (Hebrews 13:15).

• Sing with the congregation; corporate praise trains private devotion.

• Remove idols—anything that steals affection from God (1 John 5:21).

• Keep short accounts with sin (Psalm 32:5); unconfessed sin mutes praise.

Wholehearted praise matters because it matches God’s worth, aligns our hearts with His truth, shapes our witness, and prepares us for eternal worship.