What’s the difference between thanking God and praising Him—and why does it matter?
Have you ever considered whether your worship focuses more on God’s hand or His heart?
This week, I pondered the difference between thanksgiving and praise. I lumped them together for the longest time, but as I grow in my faith, the Lord continues to reveal deeper truths to me.
I’ve come to see that Thanksgiving is being grateful for what God has done—acknowledging His hand. Praise, however, goes further. It’s honoring Him for Who He is—understanding His heart.
It’s been a week full of emotions, reflections, and His gentle teaching. Loss and disappointment often feel eternal in their sting, even though they are temporary. Yet, I continue to discover that His presence is palpable amid it all.
Even in the hard, the inconceivable, day by day, I am learning to gain something far more glorious and eternal—Him.
And here’s the truth I keep returning to: To lose sight of Jesus in the middle of the storm is costly.
In these moments, I find myself invited to touch eternity. Tears birth praise—not a focus on His hand, but on His heart, His face. And I am reminded of this profound reality: Right now—this moment—is the only time I can bring the sacrifice of praise birthed in suffering.
It’s different from Thanksgiving. Gratitude celebrates what God has done; Praise exalts Who He is. But what I find interesting is gratitude can be the gate we enter through to abide in His courts with praise.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalms 100:4.
The gates surrounding the temple represent boundaries and entry points, whereas the courts are closer to the innermost sanctuary, expressing nearness and intimacy. I cannot help but think of this verse about Moses and the children of Israel: “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.” Psalms 103:7. I share it today because it further magnifies the distinction between the levels of intimacy. I hope it will touch your heart as it does mine.
I’ve encountered the God of eternity as my comfort in my most difficult moments. Today, as I reflected, I remembered the final moments I spent with my grandmother—the evening before she went to meet Jesus face-to-face. This was the woman who wrote me letters about Him, who prayed through my wayward seasons, and who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. How I wish I could embrace her now.
As her earthly life slipped from our hands into His, she sang of His faithful love. She sang until the temporary gave way to eternity.
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15.
It’s been a while since grief washed over me like it did today. But this time, instead of sinking in the wave of despair, the Lord comforted me—so generously—with His word,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26. My answer: “I believe You, Lord.” oh, how grateful I am for the Word.
And in that moment, I realized something beautiful: I wasn’t drowning; I was being beckoned to taste the hope of eternity. Could this be how Peter felt when he stepped out of the boat or Paul when he was taken to the third heaven? I know not. But the buoyancy was palpable—Presence. It is knowing the One who holds her holds me.
It is a glorious mystery to touch the infinite, experience the impossible, and feel love and peace so deeply that my sadness became a well-spring of joy in a moment.
This season of reflection has reminded me that while loss and suffering are part of this life, so is His presence. And through every tear, there’s an invitation to worship—a call to lift my eyes beyond the temporary and behold the eternal.
“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”Psalms 50:23.
What about you, friend… what does it mean to bring a sacrifice of praise, especially in seasons of shifting, sifting, and suffering?
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Let’s dive a little deeper using the journal prompts:
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Reflect on the Difference: What do thanksgiving and praise mean to you personally? Write about a time when you expressed gratitude for what God has done versus a moment when you praised Him simply for who He is.
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God’s Hand vs. His Heart: In your current season, do you focus more on God’s hand (what He does) or His heart (who He is)? Why do you think that is?
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The Cost of the Storm: Think about a difficult moment in your life. How did it challenge your focus on Jesus? What did you gain or learn about Him through it?
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A Sacrifice of Praise: What does it mean to you to bring a sacrifice of praise? Write about a time when praising God felt costly but necessary.
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Eternal Perspective: How does reflecting on eternity impact how you navigate present struggles? Write about how focusing on eternal hope changes your outlook on loss or disappointment.
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Legacy of Faith: Who in your life has modeled a deep faith amid suffering? How has their example impacted your view of praising God during challenging times?
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Meeting God in Suffering: Reflect on a moment when you felt God’s presence in the middle of pain or grief. How did it change your relationship with Him?
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Praise Through Tears: What are some specific attributes of God that you can praise Him for right now, even if your circumstances feel heavy? How can this shift your focus and bring comfort?
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“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1.
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Thanks so much for joining me. I pray this blessed you!
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🫶🏾 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒸𝒾𝓅𝓁ℯ𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒽,
𝒜𝓃𝒹𝓇ℯ𝒶
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