God has made us a special people so that we can fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.

To praise the Lord is to admire Him for who He is and for what He has done. When we love another person, it is natural to speak well of them. In the same way, those who love God find it easy to praise Him.

Praising the Lord is good for us. It is easy to focus on meeting our needs. And, sadly, this attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God does not want us to go to church worried only about ourselves. Praise lifts our gaze to the Lord and fills our hearts with satisfaction.

Praise and worship are often associated with church services, but they should characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can occur when we are alone with the Father.

Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence in your life. Then tell the Lord that you want to learn to praise Him with all your heart.

Suggested Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for taking care of me and my family. Let me focus on the evidences in my day-to-day life that You are with me. Being able to breathe tells me that You are with me, being able to open my eyes every morning, being able to give a smile, being able to give words of encouragement to someone, being able to give a hug, being able to praise You freely, being able to spend time with You. Thank You, Lord, because if I start counting, I have thousands of evidences of Your presence with me. I praise you with all my heart in the name of Jesus, Amen.

1.    Psalm 150 (ESV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.