365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns July 08

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

July 08

THE TRINITY: GOD OF MY PRAISE

(ELOHIM TEHILATI)

Don't stand by silently, O God of my praise, while

wicked people slander me and tell lies about me.

SEE PSALM 109:1

David made it a habit to praise God all the time. David called the Lord the God of My Praise, a title that came from his daily experience. But David couldn't understand how God could let people criticize him and tell lies about him, especially since he consistently praised God. Maybe that's your question. You wonder why some people criticize you, especially when you have a good relationship with God. Even though you try to work hard and do right, some people stab you in the back. Even though you put God first in your life, some people seem to reject you.

Lord, I try to serve You and I continually praise You,

yet I have enemies. Why?

The law of unintended consequences says that your praise to God doesn't make people like you; rather, some people reject you because they reject God. Your goodness convicts them of their sins, and in anger they turn against you. Whenever you praise God, they reject God for the same reasons you serve Him. They don't want someone else, God, running their lives. They want to be the center of their lives; they don't want to put God there. So don't let their negative reactions ruin your good positive life; praise God anyhow. He is your Lord and Savior; make Him continually the God of Your Praise.

Lord, I will praise You when those around me criticize You. I will also

praise You when those around me join in worship. I will not let anyone

influence my worship of You. Amen.

Reading: Psalm 109

Key Thought: Make Him the God of Your Praise, no matter the circumstances.