Psalm 145:18-19 says, “The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them.”

The definition of integrity is: “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” In addition, the definition of fear in this instance means, “reverential awe, the fear of God. Respect, reverence, veneration.” So breaking this verse down, it starts by saying, “The Lord is near ALL who call out to Him…”. Even when we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, He will still draw near to bring peace and comfort. The next part of the verse, “all who call out to Him with integrity…” means God is near to you and hears your heart if you call out to Him with sincerity and honesty wanting something more that you simply cannot get in the physical. He wants to draw near to you, but you first must draw near to Him. Don’t make it to only call out and pray to Him when you are in distress or in dire need in the midst of a trial or disaster. Make it an effort to call out to Him during times of affliction and times of plenty and good. In the next part of the verse, “He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him…”. We should possess such reverence and respect; fear of God. He deserves our utmost respect. He has freely given us so much, why should we dare think we are worthy enough and deserving of His love? Well, perhaps maybe because we are! As much as we may think how undeserving or unworthy we are to receive His love and care, we are absolutely wrong! HE created us, and WE were made in His image. “He hears their cry for help and saves them.” Be sincere in all you ask and do and He will hear you! Praise Him for His help in times of trouble and praise him for all the blessings He has given you. Praise Him for what hasn’t happened yet; speak as if it will happen if it’s in His will. Give Him glory in the midst of trial. He deserves it ALL, even if we don’t think He does.

Every single day, every moment of the day, there are angels fighting by your side, fighting off the demons that are trying to attack. There is a constant battle in the spiritual realm. It is absolutely necessary to give God the praise He deserves. He is ALWAYS interceding on your behalf, always fighting so that you can be safe and protected through His Spirit. Something that may seem so simple; giving praise. But in my humble opinion, I don’t think the people of God understand or perhaps realize the importance of praise! “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His Holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 There are many verses like this one, describing the wondrous works that God does for us! We simply do not give Him enough praise and thankfulness for all that He does! He deserves the credit; because of HIM, we were created.

My point? Well, if you haven’t caught on already, it’s something so simple, yet so unrecognized. Don’t let the small and big blessings go unnoticed. Don’t take them for granted. Praise where praise is due! He is worthy! And because He is worthy of our praise, it makes us worthy to do and say anything through His name. Without His name, we are nothing. In conclusion, my friends, be on guard, and praise His name in the good and also in the bad. Speak as if it is going to happen, rather than not. Speak that it has already happened. Praise that it is happening! And praise when it’s not. In either situation, praise is necessary.

Jim Staley