It's important to understand the difference between thanking God and praising God. Both are two different things, Both are important aspects of a spiritual life and can often occur together in worship and prayer.


Thanking God is an attitude of gratitude and appreciation. On the other hand, praising God is quite different from thanking God. Praising is about honoring and exalting God for who He is, not for what he has done for us.

Here are some examples of thanking and praising God that can be used in prayers, songs, or personal reflections:

Thanking God

1. Personal Gratitude:
• “Thank you, God, for the gift of life and the blessings I experience each day. I am grateful for my family, friends, and the love that surrounds me.”
2. For Provision:
• “Lord, I thank you for providing for my needs. Your generosity is evident in every meal I have and every opportunity that comes my way.”
3. For Guidance:
• “Thank you, God, for guiding me through difficult times. Your wisdom has helped me make choices that align with my purpose.”
4. For Health:
• “I am grateful for my health and well-being. Thank you, Lord, for the strength to face each day and the healing you provide.”
5. For Peace:
• “Thank you, God, for the peace that surpasses all understanding. In times of turmoil, your presence calms my heart.”

Praising God

1. Worship and Adoration:
• “I praise you, Lord, for your greatness and majesty. Your creation declares your glory, and I stand in awe of your power.”
2. For Love and Mercy:
• “Praise be to you, God, for your endless love and mercy. Your grace has transformed my life, and I am forever grateful.”
3. For Faithfulness:
• “I lift my voice in praise for your faithfulness, Lord. You are always with me, guiding me through every season of life.”
4. For Salvation:
• “I praise you, Jesus, for the gift of salvation. Your sacrifice on the cross has given me hope and eternal life.”
5. For Creation:
• “Praise you, Creator God, for the beauty of the world around us. The mountains, oceans, and skies reflect your artistry and majesty.”

Combining Thankfulness and Praise

• “Heavenly Father, I thank You for your countless blessings in my life. I praise You for Your goodness and love, which are evident in every moment. May my life be a reflection of your grace.”
• “Lord, I am grateful for Your unwavering support and guidance. I praise You for Your wisdom and for the joy You bring into my life. Thank You for being my rock and refuge.”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

In this scripture, we are reminded that God is our:

(1) Refuge/Shelter
(2) Strength
(3) Very present help in our trouble/hardship.

(1) The first thing that God promises to be to us is our Refuge in times of trouble.

The word “refuge” means ‘a place of safety and security; it’s a hiding place.’ God promises to be our hiding place. In other words, when you feel overcome with fear, call upon God, and you will feel His presence. In that presence, you’ll feel safer than you’ve ever felt before. Who wouldn’t feel safe in the arms of the One who created the universe? God is the hedge of protection around us, no matter what we face. He is our stronghold in the day of our distress. Make God your refuge. He is our refuge.

As the psalmist writes this psalm, the city of Jerusalem is surrounded by enemy forces, undergoing a siege. God was ultimately the walled fortress around the psalmist.

(2) The second thing that God promises to be to us is our Strength in times of trouble.

The word “strength” means ‘might.’

Isaiah 40:29 states, “He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”

Once again, He strengthens us with these comforting words.

It’s for every believer today, and we should ask Him for the strength we need for every minute of every day. Hallelujah!

(3) The third thing that God promises to be to us is a very present help in our trouble.

The word “very” means “exceedingly” or “extremely.”

The phrase “present help” describes God’s nearness; the same God dwells within us. That is to say, we don’t have to go out seeking or searching for Him. He is always near; He is always a help at hand. There is no better help than God Himself. God is always in the very midst of our difficult circumstances. What comfort that brings.

There are many reassuring scriptures that tell us of God’s nearness:

• Psalm 91:15: “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”

• Psalm 145:18: “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

• Deuteronomy 4:7: “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon Him?”

God remains our refuge, our strength, and a very present help when we turn to Him with the greatest trust.

Promotion does come from the Lord

Psalm 75:6-7 states:

For promotion/exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

But God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up/exalts another.

Let’s examine this Bible verse more closely.

In the Bible, promotion refers to the act of being elevated or lifted up to a higher position. This elevation can be seen as a reward for hard work, righteousness, and faithfulness to God. It also serves as a sign of God’s favor and blessing.

For example, God promoted Joseph in Egypt to the position of second-in-command of the entire country. This promotion was a testament to Joseph’s unwavering faith and trust in God, even in the face of adversity. Similarly, David was promoted from a shepherd boy to a mighty king by God.

These examples remind us that God has a plan for each of us and will promote us according to His perfect timing and purpose.

Conversely, demotion refers to the act of being removed or lowered from a higher status or position to a lower one. This can occur as a result of disobeying God’s commands or failing to fulfill one’s duties and responsibilities. In the Bible, demotion is often seen as a form of punishment or consequence for one’s actions. For instance, King Saul was removed as king for disobeying God’s commandments.

Therefore, we should put our faith and trust in the Lord. The Word of God says that promotion only comes from God, not man. No human can block His promotion or blessings over your life. When God promotes you, He redirects the hearts of people and employers to favor you. He is the King of all kings and controls the outcome of everything.

You don’t need to undermine others or do anything extravagant to impress people. God is the ultimate factor that determines promotion. However, you need to wait for His timing. He will promote you when it’s His will. His timing is always perfect. He will give you the right thing at the right time, open the right door at the right moment, and create the right opportunity with the right people. He doesn’t need anyone else’s permission to promote you. He is the ultimate factor that determines your promotion.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 states: ‘To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.’

However, He would want you to obey His word and seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).