The expectation cannot be stated more clearly: “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). Like the light of a lamp (Matthew 5:15), the praise of God is not to be hidden under a basket. The child of God is to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Developing the mind of Christ so that one chooses to focus on the joy set before him while enduring the hostility of sinners against himself (Hebrews 12:2-3) requires instruction and diligent application. Counsel from David’s inspired quill provides needed guidance on how to stay focused upon Jehovah’s praiseworthiness. It is written: “Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people. When He avenges blood, He remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the humble. Have mercy on me, O Lord! Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may tell of all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in Your salvation” (Psalm 9:11-14).
To stay focused on Jehovah’s praiseworthiness declare His deeds of deliverance from your enemies. Every child of God has been delivered from humanity’s greatest enemy and relentless adversary. The Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil (1st John 3:8). The empty tomb guarantees the complete overthrow of the god of this world. No wonder, Jesus’ first command after His resurrection was “Rejoice!” (Matthew 28:9). To stay focused on Jehovah’s praiseworthiness one must stay focused on His deeds of deliverance.
To stay focused on Jehovah’s praiseworthiness remember His answers to prayer. Since David was a man whose prayers were fervent, frequent, and brutally honest, it was not difficult for him to call to mind the many occasions—great and small—in which Jehovah had heard his passionate and humble cry. This help to staying focused upon God’s praiseworthiness is only of benefit to one whose closet of earnest, transparent prayer is used frequently.
To stay focused on Jehovah’s praiseworthiness petition Him for mercy and marvel how often your petition is lovingly granted. How often has our worst fears never occurred. How often Jehovah lifts His children from the gates of death. How often, sadly, our response is one of forgetfulness—like the nine healed lepers, instead of like the Samaritan who focused upon the mercy shown him and thus went back to sing God’s praises (Luke 17:12-18).
When one stays focused on Jehovah’s praiseworthiness, he will rejoice in His salvation.
