March 6, 2014

¹⁵ For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV) 

O Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
    plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Isaiah 25:1 (ESV) 

Two verses from Isaiah which are seemingly unrelated.  But stick with me. . .

I am currently reading a book entitled, Mindset, by Carol Dweck.  The book's premise is that persons who have a fixed mindset are more likely to see traits such as intelligence, strengths, weaknesses, etc. as unchangeable.  However people with a growth mindset believe that these traits can be changed.  Through a different approach, more directed effort or tenacity, people can make fundamental changes and/or overcome many obstacles and setbacks that would crush a person with a fixed mindset.

So you ask, "What does that have to do with the two verses offered up today?"  Great question!

I struggle with the concept of praise.  When I even attempt to praise God, it turns into a laundry list thanksgiving. While this is not a bad thing, it is not praise.  Thankfulness is for what God has done.  Praise is directed at who God is.  

Praise is an area where I need to develop a growth mindset.  I can get better.  I can learn to acknowledge God for who He is rather than what He has done, is doing, and will do in my life.

I think Isaiah 25:1 is a wonderful praise verse and Isaiah 30:15 is a good place for me to start.

Quiet, restful, trustful.  Realizing the LORD is my God. (30:15)  He gives abundantly, exceedingly.  His plans are "faithful and sure." (25:1)

Praise does not have to be hand in the air, swaying to the music.  It can be a quiet realization of who God is, a recognition of the immensity of His love for us.  Praise is about God's attributes, not His actions.

Today I will praise God.