A Time to Reflect: Conditional or Unconditional Praise?

Psalm 106

 ¹ Praise the LORD.^[a]
   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever.
 ² Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
   or fully declare his praise?
³ Blessed are those who act justly,
   who always do what is right.
 ⁴ Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
   come to my aid when you save them,
⁵ that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
   that I may share in the joy of your nation
   and join your inheritance in giving praise.

This time of  year, our focus is on thanking God for the ways and things He has blessed us with. And we thank Him often for His Word, family, friends, provision, the measure of health He has given us, our freedom, the list goes on and on. And we should live a life that expresses our thanks to God and others regularly.

As I study this psalm, if I am honest, my prosperity, joy, and praise (vs 5) are often dependent on my cirumstances. In our human condition, it is HARD to praise God in the valleys, disappointments, broken relationships, poor health.

God is good ALL the time. May His praise be continually on my lips.

Jo Anna