Daily Reading // Isaiah 43:22-28
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Isaiah 43:21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.
God seeking praise is unlike anyone else seeking praise. It is notably different. It is important to understand the difference.
Praise is an important aspect of who I am as a human. Praise is for my own good. I am healthier in mind, soul and spirit when I praise. There are a lot of people and things that contend for my praise. Performers are praise-junkies and will do anything to get it. Organizations want praise. Governments want praise. Leaders of all types want praise. Actually, just about everybody wants praise.
All are self-serving in their quest for praise.
There is one place where praise ultimately belongs: to the Creator of the universe. When He seeks praise, it is a right use of praise. It is right and healthy for us to praise Him. That can’t be said of others who seek our praise. When God is praised, truth reigns supreme. When God is praised, praise finds it’s proper use.
There is nothing better for me than to direct my praise to God.
God seeks praise, not for His own good like every other praise-seeker. God seeks praise for our good.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
God, today as I direct my thoughts and attention towards You, it is to give You praise. My praise finds it’s proper home in You. You formed me to praise You and that’s what I’ll do. When things are dark around me, You are my light. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> Isaiah 44:1-20
Thanks for the 'praise'!
This is so well said, thanks for sharing this awesome truth.