What is a sacrifice of praise?

A sacrifice of praise is when we, in the face of difficult circumstances, make a conscious decision to bring a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is, irrespective of our circumstances and needs.

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

Let us investigate the main aspects of this verse:

1. Rejoice: the decision to remain joyful
2. Always: under all circumstances
3. In the Lord: the source of my joy is my relationship with the Lord

When circumstances are favourable it is easy to rejoice. The challenge is to rejoice when circumstances are difficult. That is when it is of value to make a conscious decision to remain joyful.

Here is a good example of what it means to rejoice in the Lord:

“²³And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely…. ²⁵But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them…”

Acts 16:23,25

In the following verse Jesus gives us the perfect example of what it means to bring a sacrifice of praise to God: 

“…He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2

Here is God’s promise to us when we bring Him a sacrifice of praise: 

“He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honours and glorifies Me; …to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50:23

Conclusion

A sacrifice of praise is proof to God of our sincere love for Him.

“Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise…”

Hebrews 13:15

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible Classic Edition unless otherwise stated.