Sometimes when I’m struggling with negative feelings, I need a reminder that I would be better off finding God in praise rather than focusing solely on my circumstances.
One sure-fire way to change my mood is to turn to the book of Psalms. King David faced many troubles and hardships, yet even when crying out to God about his problems, he often turned his prayer into praise. In Psalm 71, David exclaimed in wonder and amazement as he looked back at how God had worked in his life:
“Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God. You have done great things. O God, who is like you?”
Whenever David meditated on God’s unique qualities, he found words inadequate to describe Him. Thankfully he never stopped trying, and as a result we are blessed by many psalms that remind us of God’s goodness, power, and mercy.
The late Dr. S. M. Lockridge, a pastor and popular speaker, is best known for a portion of a rousing sermon often referred to as “That’s My King” quote, in which he spends several minutes describing Jesus Christ:
“He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful…He’s the sinner’s savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization…His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes…”
Suddenly he stops and exclaims,
“I wish I could describe Him to you!”
Meditating on God’s character traits builds up our faith and deepens our personal relationship with him. It encourages us to acknowledge him in good times and helps us trust him in hard times.
No matter what we’re going through, thinking about God’s attributes reminds us that we always have reason to praise God. And we just might be tempted to burst out in adoration and worship along with King David and Dr. Lockridge. Then we’ll discover that even a bad day can’t keep us from finding God in praise.
© Dianne Neal Matthews. Dianne is a freelance writer and the author of four daily devotional books (www.DianneNealMatthews.com). This material is adapted from Drawing Closer to God: 365 Daily Meditations on Questions from Scripture (Baker Books).
Enjoy this video featuring Dr. Lockridge’s famous sermon, “That’s My King”:
