It's amazing how a little bit of praise can change your day and lift your spirits. I'm not talking about praise that we receive. While that is good, it can be blown away by the smallest failure or criticism. No, what I'm talking about is praising God. I have a friend who is teaching me a lot about this. I hear her frequently muttering under her breath during difficult situations: "Count it all joy." What she's talking about is the principle of praising God, allowing His glory to lift you during any situation (James 1:2-4).

I was thinking about that just a little while ago as I was having a few quiet minutes here in my office. (OK, I admit it. I was having my morning quiet time here in my office at 1:45 p.m. That's what happens when your 12 year old forgets his school project until the morning it's due). I read this passage: As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men...who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 NIV

I don't think I realize how many times the Lord fights on my behalf. How many times, when my focus is clear and I'm doing what I should, does God take care of things I never knew I faced? If only you and I could worry less and worship more. Paul talked about learning contentment in trouble. James said to count is as joy when we face troubles. Jesus asked who could add a day to their life by worrying. And, yet, we still do it. Rather than praise, our natural reaction is to worry--negative meditation, if you will. And it never changes a thing. Praise does! It lifts our hearts. Removes our worries. It returns our focus to God and His ability to change our world by changing our circumstances. So, I'm going to try (harder) to focus on joy. In all things, at all times, through all circumstances I will choose to count all things joy. Now, back to that "morning" devotion...