SAINT SHARBEL MAKHLŪF, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

The Israelites had experienced God at work in so many powerful ways. He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. He showed his power in the plagues and the parted waters of the Red Sea. He guided them to freedom and made an everlasting covenant with them. At times like those, it would have been natural and easy to offer praise to God who had saved them every step of the way.

But in the days and years after these wonderful words of God, the people faced new challenges and fearful situations—some of their own doing and some from their enemies. Yet the call was still the same: Offer to God a sacrifice of praise (Psalm Response). In the midst of confusion and fear, praise God. In the face of temptation or an unknown future or an uncertain battle, praise God. It might have felt more like a sacrifice at those times, but the decision to trust and thank God would have far-reaching effects.

As you look at your own life, you can surely recall times when you saw God’s power at work. Perhaps someone arrived to help you just when you were in desperate need. Or maybe something unexpected happened that ended up restoring a broken relationship. Maybe you were flooded with peace during an anxious situation. At these times, offering praise to the Lord is not a burden. But what about those times when you can’t see how God is working, or you don’t know what you’ll face in the future? Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

So go ahead and praise your God and heavenly Father. Decide to trust him and give him praise even in the darkness or disappointments. When you do, you’ll strengthen your faith in the God you’re praising—the one who created the heavens and the earth, who has given you a share in his divine life, who has shown you boundless mercy and grace. Little by little, God will lift up your heart and open your eyes to his love.

“Father, you are always worthy of my praise. Help me lift my voice to you today.”

Exodus 24:3-8
Matthew 13:24-30
PSALM 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15

WORD AMONG US