Doxology Living

Living a life of doxology is a tough challenge. But, we are called to live a life of doxology in good times and in bad. You may ask “Doxology, you say? I don’t get it. Isn’t that a song that we sing in church on Sundays???” Yes, it is.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Imagine if we actually lived out this song…this doxology…this song of praise, admiration and adoration of God Almighty from whom ALL blessings flow. What would our lives look like if we lived a life of doxology every day?  I’ve been challenged in this area. I’m a work in progress…learning to praise God in ALL things.

This Easter season has been a difficult one for me and Louis for a number of reasons.  A month ago, I had emergency gall bladder surgery, which cancelled our week-long escape to Florida. After fussing and complaining about missing this much-needed trip (or so I thought), it did not take long to start counting our blessings.

1.  I praise God that the gall bladder attack didn’t happen while we were IN Florida – away from home (AND after having spent the $!!!).  All prepaid money has been returned or credited to us from the hotels, activities, etc.

2.  I bless God that I was home (although without by gall bladder) in RVA to cry with and support a friend who suddenly lost her husband.  If this was THE ONLY reason I lost my gall bladder, then it was worth it.

3.  I praise God that we didn’t spend the money, not knowing that a week later, Louis’s call as interim pastor would come to an abrupt end.

4.  I am thankful that we have reminders of God’s faithfulness.  It was this time last year that Louis and I found ourselves without an income stream, and God provided for our needs.

5.  I praise God that HE is in control. Not me. Because I, for certain, would definitely mess things up.  And I love that fact that even when I try to take control and royally mess things up, God is gracious and kind in reminding me that I am NOT in control.

6.  I praise God for blessing me with bountiful friends and family who have given of their time, food and resources over the last month while we both have recovered. I bless God for neighborhood Godson – Terence, who has been our legs, arms, and back muscles schlepping things up and down the stairs, in and out of the car, taking out the recycling bins and trash, etc.

7.  I praise God that I am learning to find my identity and acceptance in HIM and Him alone, not in others who let me down, who baffle, confuse and disappointment me, and who reject and/or push me away.

8.  I am grateful that although I may be surprised and shocked at things that come my way, God is not surprised, nor shocked.

9.  I bless God for awesome, gifted medical staff who treated me and Louis during his first total knee replacement 3 weeks ago and the second scheduled for early June.  Grateful that Louis’s pain level (thanks to PT – Physical Therapy which we now call Pain and Torture. haha) is managed by medications.

10.  I praise God for hearing and answering the prayers of His people and for those who lifted up those prayers!

I could go on and on.  And, I should go on and on.  For He is worthy of our praise, not just because He comes to us in our need, but we bless His name just because He is God Almighty, Maker of heavens and earth, the One who breathes and gives life to each and every one of us.

For what are you thankful?

For what do you sing of God’s praises?

Why do you want to practice Doxology living?