The Difference Between Praise and Thanksgiving

Originally posted on November 21, 2010 As we begin to prepare for Thanksgiving I wanted to talk a little about the difference between Thanksgiving and Praise.

Strong’s Concordance defines thanksgiving as "being thankful at what God has done historically in your life". I will discuss more about this tomorrow.

Strong defines praise as the acknowledging of His perfections, works, benefits, and excellences.  When you praise you are focusing on who He is.  Praising Him for His excellence and giving Him admiration for His attributes.

Look at how David praised the Lord in Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV).

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.

Learning to praise Him activates the fullness He has for you and it begins to take the focus off of you and puts the focus on Him.  Who He is in you. Praise doesn’t require music; it requires an attitude of worship.  Praise is a place where God can inhabit in you.  Where He can dwell.

How do you praise Him?