Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name (Hebrews 13:15 NIV).

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I was 16 and had just gotten my driver’s license. I was fortunate to have access to the family car. Ahh, the freedom that car would give me. No longer would I rely on Mom to drive me to a friend’s house, or to the mall, or to my job. Being in the car alone was liberating. Only the limit of gas in the tank (and those imposed by my parents) restricted my newfound freedom. But those limits weren't limiting to me. That car would allow me to explore my teenage world with limits to spare. I really liked that car for all these reasons. You could say I had nothing but praise for it.

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This feeling of euphoria lasted about three days. Yes, the car offered me all these things, but I quickly learned it offered my Mom more freedom, too. She needed a head of lettuce for dinner, and in her mind, who better to ask to go get one but me? The problem was, I was 16 and self-centered. I really, really, did not want to go to the store. I was busy doing something that escapes my memory, but I do remember not wanting to run this errand for my Mom at that time. Even though I'd get to drive myself, I wasn't using the car for something I wanted to do. Well, guess who won that stand off? Grudgingly, off to the store I went, grabbed the produce, and came on home. I don't think I was very nice to the check-out lady. I know I wasn't very nice to my Mom. She simply smiled and told me, thank you, but go back to the store. In my irrational irritability, I'd brought home a head of cabbage.

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Today's verse from Hebrews reminded me of that story. After the cabbage incident, I didn't hold that car in such high esteem. Yes, the car gave more freedom, but it also created more burdens. Burdens that could be thrust upon me at any time whether I wanted them or not. It was easy to be in praise of the car when it served my purpose but not so easy when it didn't. Remember, I was 16 and still had a lot to learn.

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I'm now almost 64 and still learning. Read today's verse again. Does the phrase “offer to God a sacrifice of praise” seem like an oxymoron? How can praising God be a sacrifice? I pondered this for a while and then it hit me. Just like I experienced with the car, praising God is easy when you call the shots. Praising God becomes a sacrifice when you don't.

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A few weeks ago, I wrote a devo about the importance of maintaining faith in your life during its peaks and valleys. The message was that regardless of the highest highs or the lowest of lows, have faith in the God who loves you. The same is true with praise. Regardless of the highest highs or the lowest lows, praise God in everything. Even when you don't feel like praising Him, praise Him. That is your sacrifice. Praise offered through sacrifice is sweet as fruit for the God who will never forsake you (Deut. 31:6).

If you're like me, it's easy to praise God when life is going well. It's not so easy when it isn't. How then should we sacrifice ourselves with praise when life is really, really tough? Here's a super simple suggestion that's easy to remember in those darkest of times.

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Read a psalm and offer it to God in prayer. Do this for one week.

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Start with Psalm 100. That's an easy number to remember. Then read Psalm 145 thru 150. Read one each day until you read Psalm 150 on day seven. This is the beginning to consistently practice a pattern of praise. It’s a practice that will sustain you during the lowest of lows and delight you in the highest of highs. Praise is the purest way to glorify God. If you're ever in doubt about what to offer God, praise Him.

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I'd like to think I've grown a bit since I brought home that cabbage. But even if not, the beautiful character of God is that He meets you right where you are and walks with you from there. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Heb. 13:8). He has authority over all (John 16:33). He will teach you and counsel you (Ps. 32:8). His love for you is immense, and His faithfulness endures forever (Ps. 117:2). And He desires a relationship with you (Rev. 3:20). Praise be to God! (Ps. 66:20)

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May your lips be fruitful with your sacrifice of praise.

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“Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord” (Ps. 150:6).

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Amen, come Lord Jesus.