Your True Purpose

- Pastor Brad Liebe

“I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise is always on my lips.” – Psalm 34:1 (NCV)

How many celebrity facts do you know? Yes, that includes athletes. We know useless facts about people that we’ve never met. I know Aaron Rodgers threw 26 touchdowns during his last year as a Green Bay Packer. How is that information beneficial to you? It’s not. I’ve never met Aaron and probably never will. Even if I do, we won't become best friends because I know one useless fact about his career.

1 Corinthians 8:3 states that when we love, we are known by God. This is because God is love, so to love others is to know God and be known by Him. Knowing God seems to be more challenging than being known by Him. Because God is omniscient, which means all-knowing, He already knows us, right?

Yes! He formed us in our mothers' wombs and knows the number of hairs on our heads (Psalm 139:13-14 and Luke 12:7). He knows the tears you cry and what sorrow they represent (Psalm 56:8). There isn’t a thought you’ve had that God isn’t already privy (Psalm 139:2). God knowing about us isn’t the issue, but He wants to KNOW us.

When we actively pursue our relationship with God by praising Him, we express ourselves to Him. Praise helps God get to know us and establishes a familiarity. Praise helps us get to know God.

Have you ever been confused about an answer God gave you or why He didn’t answer a prayer the way you wanted Him to? Praise Him. You’ll find His character there. You’ll find that you get to know Him as you allow yourself to be fully known by Him.

Praise is more than just a verbal expression of gratitude; it is a conscious decision to acknowledge the greatness of God. When we choose to praise, we shift our focus toward Him, affirming our trust in His sovereignty and ability to work all things together for our good.

Not only that, your praise becomes a radiant beacon to those around you. They will notice your joyful heart, and that will create a ripple effect in your community. Choosing to praise, regardless of circumstance, is a living testimony to the watching world. You create a solidarity with your Creator and will find that you know Him even more.

Make a Difference:

Take a moment to praise. Keep telling God how you feel about Him until you’ve run out of words. Then stop and listen to what He has to say to you.

As You Read:

This week, we are in Job, who grapples with suffering and questions for God. Similarly, our journey to know God isn't about facts but heartfelt dialogue and praise. By engaging in sincere praise and dialogue, we deepen our relationship with God, understanding His character beyond knowledge and fostering a transformative connection.