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Good morning!

My role model as of late for the application of praise has been Merlin Carothers (God rest his soul) and the wonderful ways he could explain how praise can change so much.

He has written quite a lot of books and most of them are filled with testimonies and letters he had received from people all over the world. Many saw extreme changes in their circumstances. Some did not see things change in the life events but the changes were apparent within themselves! That is even better! We all know that life will be full of challenges but how we choose to look at them makes all the difference.

There was one letter, though, that I pondered a little longer. I will give some of the gist of it:

The writer said, “Why was I born? Nothing goes right for me. Hardly anybody likes me. I have no talent. Whenever I try to accomplish anything, someone stops me. My health is terrible and I look worse. How can I praise the Lord when there is nothing to praise Him for?”

My first thought was that this poor person went through a lot so far. It also sounds a bit like victim minded thinking. 

Merlin Carothers, in his comments in the book, was very on target, in my opinion. 

He talked about the apostle Paul and his horrible circumstances but that he refused to be defeated or discouraged. He learned to be content regardless of the situation and he rejoiced in the Lord and trusted Him.

“Our confidence in God’s love decides our reaction to every experience in life. If we believe God loves us, and pays close attention to everything that happens to us, we shout, ‘Victory at every turn of events.”

Here are some suggested ways to understand God’s love for us:

• Tell Him the reasons you love Him. (it’s for your benefit, not His!)

• Find dozens of occasions daily to tell Him how much you love Him. Sing about it

• Take your attention off anything that separates you from God. Turn off anything that is polluting your mind

• Concentrate on God’s Word. 

• Find people who love God and who are learning about His love too.

• Don’t give up!

“May they….know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23 NIV