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Key Bible Verse: I went into your sanctuary, O God … Then I realized how bitter I had become (Psalm 73:17, 21). Bonus Reading: Psalm 73:13-26

I have often gone into church with a huge spiritual chip on my shoulder. I find things misspelled in the worship bulletin. Look at how little the man in the next row put in the offering plate; he ought to feel ashamed. The preacher should have studied more before coming out to preach.

Then the praise begins! Dumb songs! The choir mumbles. One choir member has over-dyed her hair. The alto soloist sounds too nasal.

More praise! And now, somehow, church doesn't seem quite as dumb as it did when we first took our place in the pew. The more we sing, the better the over-dyed lady in the choir looks. Finally, she doesn't look bad at all. Gradually the church seems better and all things offensive look better.

But why? Because we're being changed. That's what praise does to us. It scrapes away our negative spirits and replaces them with a smile and a better attitude.

There's a sense in which we "fake it 'til we make it." In practicing a happier mood, we somehow become happier people. It really is easier to praise ourselves into a new attitude, than to attitude ourselves into a new way of praise.

—Calvin Miller in Loving God Up Close

My Response: Next time I feel down, I'll try the praise antidote.

Adapted from Loving God Up Close (Warner Faith, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

You are entitled to praise from all Your creatures, O God.
Free me up and energize me to do my part.

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