A Proclamation

A Proclamation

Giving thanks is that: making the canyon of pain into a megaphone to proclaim the ultimate goodness of God when Satan and all the world would sneer at us to recant.

Ann Voskamp

When you get up in the morning, begin with a proclamation of praise. Praise is born out of a heart that recognizes My goodness and overflows with verbal thanks. Start by reading the psalmist David’s proclamations: “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles” (Psalm 145:5). List the large and small miracles you’ve experienced in your life. David went on: “Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness” (verses 6-7). What have you heard other people say about what I’ve done? Now lift your voice to Me and recount My magnificent works, the stories of my goodness and favor.

David ended the psalm with these words: “I will praise the LORD, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever” (verse 21). I know your thoughts of praise are sometimes crowded out by questions about why I have not removed all the suffering from your life. I want you to experience the unexpected joy of proclaiming My greatness and goodness while you are in the middle of personal pain. You will then discover a new strength—stomping on the enemy and letting him know you’re not giving up, and that you will proclaim praises to My name until you have no more breath.

I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God!

Deuteronomy 32:3