Peace Day #10: The Peace of the Proper Praise
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1 (NKJV)
THE JOURNEY
Julian found that his peace was often a casualty of his “Internal Commentary.” When a Facebook ad campaign underperformed, his internal voice was quick to critique. When a student struggled in clinicals, he found himself mentally drafting a list of things that were going wrong. He realized he had become an expert at “Problem-Focused Narrating.”
He was successful, but he was perpetually frustrated because he was narrating his life through the lens of what was missing rather than what was present. He was so busy “fixing” the 26-chapter saga of his life that he had forgotten to enjoy the story.
One evening, while reflecting on his trip to see Mystère in Las Vegas, he remembered the performers. They weren’t focused on the heights or the danger; they were focused on the beauty of the movement. They transformed a high-stakes environment into a celebration of skill and grace.
Julian realized that Praise is a perspective shifter. He decided to try a “Praise Audit.” For one entire day, every time a “problem” entered his mind, he would immediately counter it with a “blessing.” If an ad was expensive, he praised God for the budget to run it. If a student was difficult, he praised God for the opportunity to mentor a future professional. He discovered that praise isn’t just something you do in a church building; it is a spiritual weapon that clears the “fog” of anxiety. By keeping praise “continually in his mouth,” he found there was no room left for the complaints that used to rot his peace.
Heart of the Matter
Psalm 34 was written by David when he was literally pretending to be insane to escape a foreign king. His circumstances were terrifying and unresolved. Yet, he starts with: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
This is the Sacrifice of Praise:
- A Volitional Act: David doesn’t say “I feel like praising.” He says “I will bless.” Peace is not a byproduct of a good mood; it is a byproduct of a good focus. Praise is the act of deciding that God is bigger than the trauma you are currently facing.
- The Constant Stream: “Continually in my mouth” means that praise becomes the background music of your soul. Just as a heavy gym routine strengthens your “physical core,” a constant habit of praise strengthens your “spiritual core.” You become harder to rattle when your mouth is busy thanking God for His faithfulness.
Praise is the “mute button” for the world’s chaos.
Faith in Action
Praise is the most effective way to “evict” anxiety from your heart.
The Challenge: Today, engage in a “Praise Counter-Attack.”
- The 1-to-3 Rule: For every one complaint or worry that enters your mind today, voice three specific things you are grateful for. (e.g., “This clinical schedule is exhausting, BUT I am grateful for the health to work, the students’ willingness to learn, and the coffee in my hand.”)
- The Audible Shift: Physically say your praises out loud. There is power in hearing your own voice declare the goodness of God. It disrupts the silent “death spiral” of negative thinking.
- The “At All Times” Check: Set an alarm on your phone for three different times today. When it goes off, spend 60 seconds simply “blessing the Lord” for His character (His mercy, His power, His peace) rather than asking for anything.
Prayer for the Day
King of Glory, I confess that I have been more of a critic than a worshiper. I have let my problems dominate my internal conversation. Today, I choose to bless You at all times. I will not wait for the “Good Success” to arrive before I offer my praise. I praise You in the middle of the trial, in the middle of the work, and in the middle of the wait. Let Your praise continually be in my mouth until every shadow of anxiety is chased away by Your light. Amen.
PEACE Note
“Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By learning to praise God here, we are practicing for the peace of heaven.” — C.H. Spurgeon