While reflecting on “gratitude” from last week’s reflection, I can’t help but think how “praise” goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. Warning: There might be a challenge for this week.
Dictionary.com’s top two definitions for the word “praise” are:
–the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
–the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. –Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT)
What should we be doing at all times?
Praising the Lord and, in fact, constantly speaking His praises! Doesn’t that translate to expressing our approval and admiration for the Lord? Our praises through words and songs are an offering to the Lord and an act of worship.
When should we praise the Lord?
Only when things are going well and when we are happy? No, the verse tells us to praise the Lord at ALL times! That means even when we are going through the trials and struggles in this world, and when life is most difficult.
Photo courtesy of Lewis_Satini under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
In our humanness, I believe praising the Lord when we are going through trials or struggles is one of the hardest things to do. Do you agree?
Jesus, about to go through His most difficult trial, gave us a great example of praising the Lord when He was willing to die on the cross for you and me. Jesus knew exactly what He was going to endure. Matthew 26:17-30 shares the encounter of the Last Supper. After Jesus shared His body and blood with the disciples, we read…
Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. –Matthew 26:30 (NLT)
Jesus and the disciples praised the Lord through singing!
Paul and Silas are also examples for us. In Acts 16:16-40, we read what they experienced when unjustly accused of creating an uproar in the city.
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. –Acts 16:22-26 (NIV)
I have to believe Paul and Silas were at the lowest point in their lives after being stripped, beaten, severely flogged, and having their feet fastened into stocks. They were then thrown into prison. Despite all the physical punishment, they were praising the Lord! They persevered in prayer and were praising through song.
What else does Psalm 34:1-3 tell us?
We can only boast in the Lord. When we feel helpless, we should take heart and know the Lord’s strength and power allows Him to shine through us. We have the privilege and honor to tell others about the Lord’s greatness as together we exalt His name! There is power in unity.
Photo courtesy of Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
What encouragement do we get when praising the Lord, especially during difficult times?
–God is for us.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. –Romans 8:28 (NIV)
–Help with the proper perspective.
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. –Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
–God protects us.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. –Psalm 91:4 (NLT)
–God dwells in our praises.
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. –Psalm 22:3 (KJB)
This week may you be encouraged to praise the Lord, even during the storms of life. Yes, when your heart is full of grief and despair, try turning your heart to the Lord with praise. See the difference it can make. As you praise God, know He is present in both the sunshine and the storm. During a storm in your life consider listening to the song “Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns. I pray the song will be a source of encouragement.
The challenge I have for us all is to try, for one day this week, to praise the Lord continually throughout the day. Instead of asking the Lord for particular things in prayer, let’s spend a day praising Him instead!
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. –Psalm 146:1-2 (NIV)
Christine, great message as always. It sure can be hard to praise him in tough times. You get so focused on the matter. However, it is a great feeling knowing he is right there with you. One of my favorite songs is “Praise you in the storm”. God is good and he will see you through it. The Lord deserves to be praised every day!
Praise God!
Lorie
Amen, Lorie! You are so right that we get focused on the matter which makes it hard to focus on praising God. That is kinda cool that is your favorite song. A friend suggested it fit perfectly with this reflection. 🙂 Thanks for reading and sharing. I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season! I miss seeing you and those little ones. Give them my love, please!