The Healing Power of Praise
Evening Peace: A Quiet Time of Prayer and Reflection Before Sleep
Tonight’s Verse
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
Psalm 147:1
Reflection
As the day draws to a close, our hearts might be weighed down by its challenges, disappointments, or worries. Yet here, in this beautiful psalm, we find a remedy for our evening weariness: praise. Notice how the psalmist doesn’t just tell us to praise, but reveals three powerful truths about praise - it’s good, pleasant, and fitting.
That praise is “good” suggests it has benefit beyond mere expression - it actually works something positive in us. When we lift our eyes from our circumstances to focus on God’s character and faithfulness, something shifts in our perspective. Our problems don’t necessarily change, but we begin to see them in light of God’s greatness rather than our limitations.
The psalmist tells us praise is “pleasant” - the Hebrew word here implies something sweet or delightful. There’s a unique joy that comes from recognizing and declaring God’s goodness, even at the end of a difficult day. It’s as if praise itself becomes a balm for our weary souls.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote: “God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation. It is good to praise the Lord; it is sustainable, righteous, and honourable work.” We aren’t just going through religious motions when we praise; we’re engaging in an activity that aligns our hearts with eternal truth.
That praise is “fitting” reminds us that we were created for this purpose. When we praise, we’re fulfilling our deepest calling, and there’s a profound peace that comes from being in harmony with our created purpose. Even as we prepare for rest, our praise can continue as a quiet melody in our hearts.
Prayer
Gracious God, as this day comes to its close, I choose to end it with praise. Thank you for your constant faithfulness, your unfailing love, and your sovereign care over every detail of my life. Even if today held challenges, I praise you because you are worthy, and because you work all things together for good. Let my last thoughts tonight be thoughts of your greatness and grace. May the sweet melody of praise quiet my heart and prepare me for peaceful rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This Evening Peace devotional reminds us of the good, pleasant, and fitting power of praise, even in the quiet moments before sleep. By lifting our hearts to God in gratitude, we find rest in his presence, secure in his loving care.