My Muslim friends, there is a practice you have that I truly enjoy, very much admire, and heartily appreciate. When I ask how you are (“Keef halak?” for men or “Keef halik?” for women), you always answer the same wonderful way:
“Alhamdulillah.” (“praise to God” or “thanks to God”)
You always give thanks to God!
I love it!
Did you know that the Bible also encourages followers of Jesus to always praise God, to always give Him thanks? No matter what. In every situation.
Here are a few verses about that:
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 18).
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verse 4).
Let us follow the example of a man loved by both Muslims and Christians – Dawud (David):
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises” (the Zabur – the Psalms, chapter 34, verse 1).
Here is another verse from the Zabur (Psalms) and a song from it:
“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. . .I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever” (the Zabur – the Psalms, chapter 145, verses 1-2).
Whether you call yourself a “Muslim” or a “Christian,” are you praising and thanking God today?
All day?
No matter what?
This is how I want to live. . .because I love God for who He is and all He has done for me.
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