Have you ever done something that you thought was pretty great and then no one even noticed? You wait for those words of affirmation, of praise from your family or peers and it just doesn’t come. So, what do you do? Sulk? Go on and try to do greater things? Or do you just quit and refuse to act until someone recognizes you? This was me about ten years ago. We had a prize in our county for “Teacher of the Year,” and I really wanted that recognition. So, I did the best job that I could in my classroom, but that was what I normally expected of myself. More than that, I became a sponsor of two large organizations in the school, thinking that would earn me the recognition that I thought I deserved. Honestly, I worked myself to death trying to get affirmation. But one day, I realized that the only teachers really receiving recognition of any kind were the ones teaching the core classes, those that had to give standardized tests and get the students to pass them. Year after year, it was the same people receiving the praise and the awards. My recognition came from my students who told me how much they appreciated my efforts for them. So, as the year approached for me to retire, I gave up sponsorships and became content without the recognition. I realized that I was doing the best job I could and if I never got an award, that would be okay because God was the One whom I wanted to please and I knew that He appreciated and recognized my efforts.

Now, I’m giving this day to praise for God. I know that I don’t do that enough. After all, not only is He the Savior of my soul, He has also rescued me from death multiple times, provided for me financially, spiritually and emotionally, and He has blessed me with a beautiful family. So, today is a day to praise God, to recognize Him. I hope that you will join me in my Praise Day. I am not only praising God for what He has done but also for who He is!

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There are many more Scriptures that tell of praise for the Lord, but these are the ones that I have chosen to focus on today. I pray that you will join me in meditating on these verses and giving God the praise due Him, not just today, but every day. I confess that many times, I get too busy with life, look at all of the prayer requests that I need to bring before His throne and say a quick praise and move on to my list. Today, no lists. No requests. Just praise. Because He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory, I give Him the praise that He deserves. He doesn’t need my praise, but I need to praise Him so that I am reminded of what a great God I serve. If you are a Christian, you serve the same God, and will join me in praising Him today. Instead of Prime Day, it is Praise Day in my house. Blessings to you and your household on this day!