"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,

and he prepares the way so that I

may show him the salvation of God."

Psalm 50:23

Sometimes thanking God, praising Him IS a sacrifice.  there are times in our lives, circumstances in which we really don't feel thankful.  Maybe we're discouraged, depressed, sick, in pain, grieving, feeling forgotten by God, facing a difficult challenge...any one of a hundred scenarios.  In such times praising God is really the last thing on our minds.

This Scripture tells us that when we choose at that very time to praise and thank God anyway, we are bringing honor to Him.  We honor Him with our obedience.  The truth is that He is worthy of our praise always!  His character, attributes, power, and worth do not change like the circumstances of our lives.  Regardless of our experience at the moment, God is still Almighty, Holy, Sovereign and worthy of praise!

And so, when I humble myself and do what I do not "feel" like doing, I am giving a sacrifice.  It is costing me something, and that sacrifice honors God.

The next statement fascinates me, though, "...and he prepares the way so that I might show him the salvation of God."  My sacrifice of praise paves the way for God to show me favor, grant me salvation, shower me with blessing!  Wow!  Who doesn't want that?!

But why?  Why does my praise prepare the way for God's favor and blessing in my life?  Because of the obedience exhibited.  A son or a daughter has chosen to override personal feelings and perspective in order to do what is right= give God praise.  God is worthy of praise!

I can choose to obey and offer praise, even when it comes as a sacrifice and not a natural overflow of my emotions -- even when it is not easy and goes against every "feeling," against every fiber of flesh in my being.  This act of humble obedience then paves the way, prepares the channel, for me to see the very hand of God move in my life.

If I spent more time giving a sacrifice of praise rather than worrying or complaining, would I see God's hand stirring my circumstances? Would I see barriers removed and "mountains" moved?

Other scriptures:  Galatians 6:9 ; Psalm 107:8-9 ; Psalm 145 ; 1 Thes. 5:16-18