Worship Devotional - Praise Changes You

Key Scripture: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Reflection

God's dream for each one of us is to become more like His Son Jesus. He is like a doting father who doesn't want to leave His children alone. He continually wants to shape, transform, and mature us—and praise is one of the ways He achieves this.

Praise brings us face to face with God, expressing our love for what He has done, for what He is doing, and for what He will do according to His Word. As we behold Him in praise, we are transformed into His image from one degree of glory to another.

The Bible tells us that God inhabits—is enthroned in—the praises of His people. He is always enthroned whether we praise Him or not. The difference is that when we praise Him, we personally enthrone Him in our lives.

The word "inhabit" in Hebrew means to abide together, like in a marriage—to sit down and preside with the idea of judgment. Biblical praise gives God the right to inhabit our lives, much like we share life with a marriage partner. It allows Him to judge and correct everything that displeases Him so He can achieve His ultimate goal of making us like Jesus.

Today's Challenge

Enter into praise today with the expectation of being changed. Invite God not just to receive your praise but to transform you through it. Welcome His presence to shape you into the image of Christ.

Prayer

Father, I want to be changed by my praise. As I behold Your glory, transform me from glory to glory. I enthrone You in my life and give You permission to judge and correct everything that doesn't look like Jesus. Make me more like Your Son. Amen.