Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”
I remember once being in a real tough season. I was hurting and upset and broken and bitter and I had a friend tell me to start praising Jesus. I didn’t feel much like praising and singing and shouting, but she insisted.
I’ve read stories in the bible of people who praised God, even in the storms of life. Their response to suffering was worship. Job praised God when his whole life went to shambles, the disciples praised Jesus’ name after being beaten and flogged for sharing the gospel. David worshipped God even when his enemies were out to kill him. We, having it much easier than these individuals, yet grumble about praising when we’re pushing through a hard season. Why is that?
Instead of wallowing, complaining, sitting silently in our anguish, we’re called to praise. When we feel like life has shut out all the good, we’re allowing ourselves to pull shades over our eyes and see only darkness, see only the trouble, only the misfortune. But when we pull the shades up, open our eyes, and look to Jesus all that changes.
Take a second and join me in listing three things you’re thankful for. They can be as simple as food and water to eat and drink. Just three things. It can’t be that hard. Being thankful is the first step in praising. We take a second to realign our hearts and minds when we give thanks. Some days it feels impossible to jump straight into praise. Expressing gratitude helps us make that shift towards praise.
Now, with your few thoughts of thankfulness, begin focusing in on the little joys and pleasures of life. Look beyond your current circumstance. In a sense, look toward heaven and imagine the glory of God being with you today, right where you are.
And before you know it, you’re raising praise, even during the most strange and toughest of times, you’re praising the Lord.
Spend today praising Jesus for all he has done and all he is for you today. Praise him like Job, David, and the disciples did. Shamelessly praise a God who’s in control and full of everlasting love for you.