Yesterday, we stressed that praise is intentional, and could be spontaneous, but not casual or cheap. Today, we want to build on that by adding that real praise is unconditional. It doesn't have to be attached to anything God did or failed to do. Many people say, "God, if You do XYZ for me, I'll praise You." That's not a smart approach. At best, it is selfish and myopic.
A woman approached Jesus with a prayer need for her daughter but Jesus didn't answer her. Instead, He referred to her as a dog! Such derogatory remark you may say, but she worshipped Him by calling Him Lord (Matt. 15: 21-28). Her worship secured the answer her prayer couldn't!
Habakkuk says, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (Haba 3:17-18 NLT). Can you praise God in spite of your pain and losses? Can you praise God when all indices read negatively hopeless? Can you, like Job, say, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him..." (Job 13: 15 KJV).
