Give Me One Good Reason
This can try our patience at times but my husband has adopted a good technique
Reference: For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalms 117:2 KJV)
Explore: One of our boys is always up for a negotiation. Even if you have given him an option you know he will love, he’s always looking for an upgrade.
This can try our patience at times, but a good technique my husband has adopted is asking for three reasons why we should change our minds from the initial choice. If he is able to give us three decent reasons then we would be willing to consider his suggestion.
Rarely can our boy even come up with one good reason. He’ll fumble for some kind of excuse and then realise he has been defeated.
The good part is that we don’t tend to get an upset tantrum from the final solution because he has realised that there wasn’t good reason for the option to change in the first place. It’s helpful for him to see the true reasoning behind a decision.
Application: While my boy is only ever finding a reason to take a toy to school or have an extra helping of dessert, there are bigger things in our lives that are worth seeking reasons for.
Psalm 117 is only two verses long, but it succinctly tells us what we should do and the reason why we should do it.
There’s no need for a change in purpose and no excuse not to understand the reason: we are to praise God because He is kind and true.
If we were to adopt this every single day then I feel our lives would have more direction and integrity. It’s easy to get busy with everyday life, but let’s not forget the purpose we have all been given.
Prayer: Lord, You are truly worthy of our praise. When life gets busy may we not forget the importance of putting You first. Amen.
What is your reason behind praising God?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.