Every Breath, A Praise

 

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

Take a deep breath. Feel the air fill your lungs, the gentle rise and fall of your chest. That simple act—breathing—is a gift from God. With every breath we take, we are reminded that we are alive, sustained, and loved by the One who created us. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” It’s a powerful call to all creation, especially to us, who are made in His image, to live a life of worship and gratitude.

This verse comes at the end of the Book of Psalms—a collection of prayers, praises, laments, and declarations. After all the highs and lows, Psalm 150 closes with a triumphant command that all breathing beings should praise the Lord. Not just sometimes. Not just when things are going well. But at all times, in all circumstances, simply because we are alive and He is worthy.

The Breath of Life

In Genesis 2:7, we read that God formed man from the dust and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Our very existence began with the breath of God. That breath is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It symbolizes His presence and purpose in us. Every breath we take is a reminder that our life is not our own. We are here for a reason: to glorify God, to walk with Him, and to reflect His goodness.

When we praise God, we are not just singing songs or speaking words. We are aligning our soul with His. Praise lifts our eyes from our problems to His promises. It transforms our worries into worship. It strengthens our hearts and brings peace to our minds.

Praise in All Circumstances

Sometimes, praising God is easy. When the sun is shining, the bills are paid, and our hearts are full, praise flows naturally. But what about when life is hard? When we are grieving, anxious, or unsure of what’s next?

Even in those moments, we are called to praise. Not because everything feels good, but because God is always good. Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Praise in the valley is a declaration of trust. It says, “God, I believe You are with me, even when I don’t understand.”

Praise is Powerful

Praising God changes things. It silences fear. It breaks chains. It opens hearts. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison, beaten and bound. But instead of complaining, they prayed and sang praises to God. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, the prison doors opened, and they were set free. Praise invited God’s power into their situation.

You may not be in a physical prison, but maybe you feel trapped by worry, pain, or doubt. Start praising. Sing. Speak life. Thank God. Praise shifts your focus from what you can’t control to the One who controls it all.

A Daily Habit of Praise

Praise should not be reserved for Sundays or worship services. It should be a daily habit. Start your day with thanksgiving. Praise Him while you work, walk, or rest. Let praise be on your lips and in your heart. Teach your children to praise. Share God’s goodness with others. Live a life that says, “Praise the Lord,” not just in words, but in attitude and action.

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Reflection and Prayer

Take a moment today to thank God for the breath in your lungs. Praise Him for His mercy, love, and faithfulness. Whether you are on the mountain or in the valley, praise Him.

Prayer:

 Lord, thank You for the breath in my lungs and the life You’ve given me. Help me to live each day with a heart full of praise. Teach me to worship You in every season, knowing that You are worthy. Let my life be a song of thanksgiving to You. Amen.