If There Be Any Praise

Praise is like a rose—a symbol of approval and love that you give someone. But in terms of Phil. 4:8, that rose or approval or commendation is a thought we think. God wants us to release a bundle of fragrant thought roses.

Praise is positive. So these thoughts have no hint of trying hard to steer the mind correctly. Praise thoughts are glory-giving thoughts.

I love that this glory giving happens internally, because that is more sincere than the praise we may offer outwardly. When no one knows what is going on inside our hearts and we think thoughts of praise—how lovely that must be to God, whether we have these thoughts towards Him or others He created. 

Believe it or not, God is the best praise thinker and giver. When he sees obedience, purity and sincerity from deep within us, He is ready with praise from His pure heart.

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Rom. 2:29)

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1Cor. 4:5)

…If there be any praise, think on these things. Now the question is, how do we muster these kinds of thoughts? Material for praise-worthy thoughts is not that handy, unless we are thinking on God and His word.

This is where I think putting Bible verses to music is so valuable. If you are at all musical, try coming up with a tune you can sing to God with words that originate from Him. I actually have many of them, and you can find the free sheet music off to the right where it says “NT Musical Memory Verses” and “OT Musical Memory Verses.”

The idea of a mind engaged in thoughts of praise reminds me of this verse: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Eph. 5:19)

Praise thoughts directed to God are the best kind. To get started, here’s one to think on for today: For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psa. 100:5)

Jody