Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise”

The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Praise
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”—Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

Have you ever thought about what it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise” to God? It may sound old-fashioned, but it's still one of the most relevant and meaningful things we can do in our modern lives. So, what is sacrificial praise all about?

First, a “sacrifice” is something you give up, often something valuable. In ancient times, it was usually a physical offering like an animal or grain. But here we're talking about a sacrifice of praise. This means our offering isn't tangible; it's our words, our acknowledgment of God's greatness and goodness, even when it's hard…especially when it's hard.

Offering praise as a sacrifice means acknowledging and glorifying God not just when we feel blessed and life is all sunshine and rainbows but also in the middle of our struggles, doubts, and pain. It's about trusting God and thanking Him for His presence in our lives, regardless of our circumstances. This kind of praise is precious to God because it comes from a place of faith and trust, not from our abundance or comfort.

It's easy to praise God when things go our way. However, when life throws us a curveball, our praise becomes a sacrifice. It's a declaration that our faith in God isn't based on our current situation but on who He is and His unchanging love for us. This sacrifice of praise isn't a one-time thing; it's a continuous choice to lift our voices in acknowledgment of His name and sovereignty over our lives.

So, when we talk about offering a sacrifice of praise, we're talking about a lifestyle of worship. This heart posture chooses to glorify God in every moment of our lives. It's powerful because it transforms our perspective, helps us see the beauty in our trials, and draws us closer to God's heart. And there's nothing more engaging and transformative than a life lived in continuous worship, constantly acknowledging the goodness of our God.

Digging deeper, the notion of a “sacrifice of praise” carries a profound personal dimension. It invites us into a dynamic and responsive relationship with God. This kind of sacrifice isn't about loss but transformation and connection. It's a spiritual practice that turns ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Consider every word of gratitude, every conscious acknowledgment of God's goodness, and every song sung in worship, even amid hardship, as a thread weaving a tapestry of faith and trust. This tapestry becomes a backdrop of our lives, a visual and spiritual representation of our journey with God. It's unique to each of us because it comprises our individual experiences, struggles, joys, and moments of surrender.

Practically, a sacrifice of praise could look like choosing to speak words of thankfulness when you're tempted to complain, singing a worship song when feeling down, or simply saying, “God, I trust you” when facing uncertainty. These actions might seem small or insignificant in the moment, but they are influential acts of worship that honor God and shape our hearts.

What makes this sacrifice unique is its transformative power—not just in our relationship with God, but in how we view our circumstances and engage with the world around us. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God's presence and provision. This shift doesn't deny the reality of our pain or struggle. Instead, it frames it within the larger story of God's faithfulness and love.

Therefore, offering a sacrifice of praise to God is not just a biblical command; it's an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to participate in the ongoing story of redemption He is writing in our lives. It's about finding joy and peace in the assurance that no matter what we face, we are never alone, and our lives are held in the hands of a loving God.

As we draw to a close, let's embrace the richness of what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This journey isn't about ignoring the realities of life's hardships but about seeing them through the lens of faith and trust in God's unwavering presence and love. When we lift our voices in praise, even when our hearts are heavy, we step into a realm of faith, transcending our circumstances. Sacrificial praise transforms our lives, knitting us closer to the heart of God and revealing the depth of His love and faithfulness in every season. 

Let us walk boldly in this calling, making our lives a continuous offering of praise, a testament to the God whose love never fails and whose goodness shines brightest even in our darkest moments.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we offer You our praise, trusting You through our trials and joys. Strengthen us to see every moment as an opportunity to draw closer to You, making our lives a testament to Your enduring love and faithfulness. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Sacrifice Of Praise” by William Murphy. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry.

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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