“IF I do this for you, will you do this for me?” “If I give you this, what will you give me?” “What do I get in return?” “I won’t do that for you since you won’t do this for me!” 

We give and take when it is convenient for us as well as beneficial. We forget about expecting nothing in return. We forget about simply doing. Giving and receiving must be for me and only me. 

This is the mentality that we often take into our relationship with our Heavenly Father. “I’ll serve you if…” “Remember those benefits you have mentioned in the Bible?” We now have a relationship of give and take and take and take. 

My third-grade class is almost finished learning the entire chapter of Psalms 111. I have pondered this chapter over and over and realized something that we, that I, have forgotten in my relationship with God. It is simply praise. 

Psalm 111 - King James Version

1Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, not part, but completely. It doesn’t say I will if He does this or that for me. God is simply asking me to praise Him, praise Him for Who He is. 

I praise my God when things are good. 

I praise my God when things go my way. 

I praise my God when the sun is shining. 

I praise my God when nothing is wrong. 

No! I need to praise my God! Period. 

I praise Him when things seem bleak, or broken, or dark, or out of my hands. I praise Him when things are full of sunshine, going well, no problems, or I’m making progress in life. I praise Him for Who He is! 

When we simply praise Him, He will give us benefits that are way better than what we could ask for!