Can't help but praise HIM

As I have gotten older all of the things I heard the "old church folks" say are making more sense. Before; when they would speak about having to Praise God, I thought about it like it was a command rather than a natural action, or reaction. A chore more or less. Then; last night, my understanding changed.

I've made a habit of reading scripture more often. So; each night, I check my Bible Gateway app for the scripture of the day. Lately I have started to read the entire chapter (or more) so I have a better idea of the context of the verse. Last night's scripture was in Plasm 63, but when I got to verse 6 & 7, it was like a jolt of energy went through me. All of the sudden what I read opened up and made sense on a whole new level.

Reading verse 6 took me back to many years ago, laying in my bed in my childhood home and crying myself to sleep. The herniated disc in my back had only being getting worse. Occasionally my back would act up and I would be down for a week or so.. but this time.. this time it wasn't getting any better. Time was standing still yet days were running together. Doctor visits, physical therapy, water therapy.. I had tried so much and nothing was helping. I was in constant pain. It hurt to sit, stand laydown.. the pain just kept getting worse. I distinctly remember one night crying in bed and repeatedly praying. "God, 1 day this will all be over and it will just be a memory. God, help me to hold on because, 1 day this WILL all be over and it WILL just be a memory." And here I was... this day... recalling that memory. The depression, the pain the hopelessness. It was excruciating in so many ways. Verse 7... but now. Now I was on the other side of it.. with God's help. As I sat there remembering what it felt like, and how thankful I was to have made it through that... well... at that moment, I couldn't help but give God praise. It wasn't a chore, it wasn't even a voluntary reaction; it just came out. Like those "old folks" used to say..

When I think about the goodness of God, I can't help but praise Him.

I get it now.