Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Praise God in All Things

"He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." -- Acts 3:8

It isn't popular to praise God. Oh, we might "Praise the Lord" when someone who is sick gets better. But we don't "Praise the Lord" when we get a promotion or have a safe journey or find strength in turmoil.

I know a dear Christian couple who seek daily to live their faith. They are quick to pray, deliver a freshly-baked pound cake or visit the sick. She even teaches Sunday school.

Their son is in commercial property leasing. This industry has been hit hard during the economic downturn. He still has a job. In fact, he is one of only two people with his position in his company who still has a job. Everyone else has been let go.

I used to ask about him. When the pink slips started, they had expressed worry that he soon would be unemployed. Do they "Praise the Lord" that he still has a job? No.

I made the comment one day that God had really blessed their son by allowing him to keep his job. They quickly corrected me. Oh, no, they said. He has kept his job because he works hard and is good at what he does.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure he does work hard and he is good at his job. I'm also fairly certain that some of those people who lost their jobs worked hard and were good at their jobs too. I believe their son still has his job because God has blessed him. Silly me.

Why are we so hesitant to praise God when something goes right in our lives? We certainly don't mind blaming Him when something goes wrong. But we want to take credit for anything that goes right. It amazes me. It's like taking a test and blaming God for causing you to fail then taking the test again and praising yourself for passing!

Personally, I would be terrified to not give God credit for the good in my life. Look at the Israelites. Everytime God did something wonderful for them, they complained. God kept them wandering in the desert for 40 years. Only two people of that original group made it to the Promised Land -- because they believed God.

I want to always give God credit when He blesses me. And I want to thank Him that I am not alone when my journey hits rough terrain. I want to be like the man who, after Peter healed him in Jesus' name, danced and loudly praised God.