Sacrifice of Praise

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15

During the past few months, God has brought this verse to mind as our family has encountered some difficult situations. We are exhorted to praise Him even in trying times.

Matthew Henry, the British scholar famous for his commentary on the Bible, was once held up by thieves who stole his wallet. After the incident he wrote in his diary:

“…Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before;
…second, because although they took my wallet, they did not take my life;
…third, because although they took my all, it was not much;
…and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

A few weeks ago my niece, Kaylie Goff, who was 13 months old, died unexpectedly. We were all very grieved because of the suddenness of her loss and the tender age at which she was taken. In the midst of this trial, I decided to make my own list of things for which we could praise God:

1. I am thankful that Kaylie’s death revealed the strength and unity of my wife’s family. This strength was a supernatural working of grace. Brothers and sisters arrived from everywhere to help. No one panicked; I saw only a group of people totally dedicated to helping a grieving sister and brother-in-law. This seeming tragedy united a group of independent people to form a strong union of family dedicated to bond together with a common purpose.

2. I am thankful that Kaylie’s short life was used for His honor and glory. People were touched by her life in ways that fame and success could never duplicate.

3. I am thankful that God has protected all the other 42 grandchildren (on my wife’s side) from serious harm, sickness, or difficulty. This was our first exposure to tragedy.

4. I am thankful to God that death had only temporary power over Kaylie.

5. I am thankful to God that Kaylie is permanently healed of her Down’s Syndrome. She was given a new body, devoid of imperfection and pain.

I challenge you to take any event in your life and look for God’s silver lining in the situation, and offer your sacrifice of praise!