Lenten Devotional - 5
Author: Gretchen Gullo
April 11, 2022
Sacrifice of Praise
Therefore by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. - Hebrews 13:15
During Lenten season, I try to focus more earnestly on Our Lord’s sacrifice at the cross for me. And for that incredible sacrificial act of love, I can praise Him from the depth of my soul. But what does it mean for me to “continually offer the sacrifice of praise”? Seriously…I found it hard to think of sacrifice and praise together!
Our Lord started me on a journey several years ago teaching me how to do such a thing. Yes, I could praise God for who He is and thank Him for all the wonderful things He has done for me. But- what about the trials or walking thru the storms of life? What about the unfavorable outcomes from my fervent prayers to Him? Did He not hear me? Did He forget about me? Of course not. Thru His word, I learned I had to stand firm on His promises knowing His character was perfect. Proverbs 3:5-6 became burnt in my heart,. The more I leaned into God, the more I knew He was leaning in to me. And Habakkuk, the minor prophet, helped me to see I could trust in my God no matter what came or comes my way. I started seeing more clearly the attributes of God.
Learning to sacrifice my personal desires, my personal longings and surrender my will to Him when life appears “ upside down” is a constant struggle. Yet when those times come, thru my tears I now cry out to Him with praises for who He is. He is God. I am not. His plans are perfect even though I may never understand on this side of heaven. He directs my steps, walks beside me, and gives me peace. I have found praising Him in those unfavorable circumstances does not mean I have to thank Him for them- but rather just start praising Him for the loving Lord He is. I am always filled with awe that thru those time of praising Him, my anger, doubt and confusion are washed away. The more I lean into Him, His word, desiring His will, the more I am blessed, fully satisfied in Him. My faith grows stronger. I become more bolder in professing to others His steadfast love and faithfulness thru Jesus. He is my God! He is My praise!
Oh Heavenly Father, I am so filled with gratitude of who you are. Jesus thank you for taking my sins on that cross and loving me so much that you died such a horrible death for me. Help me as I desire to be a living sacrifice for you. My time, talents and finances are yours. Teach me to use them for Your kingdom. And help me to continually offer up my sacrifices of praise to you in all my seasons of life.
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