I Will Praise

​     An idea rolled around in my head. It had festered for days, even weeks. But I hadn’t prayed about it yet. Only when a friend voiced a mutual thought did it stir me to action. So to the Lord I went, seeking and asking. Not my Wil but thine be done, I prayed.
     But as a few days passed without strong leading, I wondered. Do you want me to do this, Lord? I queried, I will do it… if You want me too. Then it hit me. Swift and fleeting but strong and true. The question was not whether I was willing to do what HE asked me. The true question was whether I wanted to praise Him. The eyes of my heart opened in understanding. Conviction rolled over me.
     Sometimes we agree to follow God’s Will with an almost reluctant heart. But what God wants is an overflowing heart of uncontainable eagerness. What brings God honor and glory is not our begrudging attitude, but a spirit of joy which radiates praise. Afterall, when we bring an offering of worship to our King, it should be done with all the praise and honor we can muster. Overflowing joy and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit should spring in glorious praises.
     Coming out of a season of trial, it is exciting yet a little scary to step in new ways. I am stretched and challenged. But if I drink from these new springs of living water, rich reward and fruit will follow.
     Last week, a wise friend reminded me of Isaiah 43:19. “See! I am doing a new thing.” When I heard this Scripture, God spoke to my heart. The encouragement of God’s promise to do something new, filled my parched places. For days, this Scripture ministered over me. But later, the rest of the verse penetrated my soul. “Now it springs up, will you not receive it?” God was telling me that new springs of life are pouring out before me…now did I have the courage and trust to step in faith to receive it?
     With the potential opportunity laid before me, two questions stared me in the face. First, was I willing to receive the new things God might be placing before me and step out in faith. But of equal importance is the next question. When I step out in faith, will I be doing it out of begrudging obedience or an uncontainable eagerness of praise. Will my spirit thirst to worship God for the good things HE has done? If my spirit balks and resists, then how can this reflect a heart of worship? Afterall, God doesn’t beg us to come to Him. Instead, we are the ones who must willingly choose to come.
    With a new song in my heart, fresh commitment firmed my resolve. If the doors open for me to walk through, I will do it with a heart of praise. For You have done marvelous things and my praise bubbles over. Praise and worship should not be coaxed or begged to be given but should come out of an overflowing and irresistible spirit of uncontainable joy of the goodness of our God. And God, You have been good to me.7
     Lord, I will willingly go where You want me to go. I ask You cover me with peace and steady my footsteps. Make all my plans succeed and let me shout for joy over Your victory. May Your praise guard my mind and crowd out any fears or anxieties. Now it springs forth, will I not receive it. Yes, Lord, I will. Will you?