So what is it exactly? Part 1

Praise is defined in Merriam-Wester's Dictionary as to express a favorable judgment of; to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections. When praising God, we speak well of Him. We physically and vocally express our appreciation for all the great things and the many blessings He has provided for us. It is important for us to do this in our everyday lives in order to keep an open relationship with the Father. God loves for his creations to praise Him (Psalm 150:6).

Some people wonder when is a good time to praise God? The answer: ALL THE TIME! We should praise God when we're happy and peaceful. We should also praise God when we're upset and going through problems of everyday life. It's important of praise God especially during the hard times. Think about how many times you've gone through problems, yet God continued to bless you in other ways. You may not have gotten the promotion that you desired, but God still provided - you weren't fired. Maybe you can't get a car at this time, but God still provides with the bus line, and/or family and friends that gladly take you where you need to go.

Another thing about God: He's a jealous God. Exodus 20:2-4 states, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." God is the only true God, and He wants us to remember that He's the only one that we pray to, and give praise to.

We need to take time and smell the sweet scent of our mighty Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1). God is so good to us; how dare we not take time to praise Him, when He takes time to think of us (Psalm 139:17-18)? Not only should we take the time to praise God, we should not be ashamed of how we praise Him. One person may shout, another person may cry, another may even wave their hands. However way you praise God, it is pleasing to Him as long as it is a real, genuine praise. So the next time you feel the urge to stand up in church and just shout to the top of your lungs THANK YOU GOD, do it! Don't worry about whose looking at you, or if the person next to you doesn't shout with you. God wants to hear from you, so go ahead and praise Him.