Another great opportunity was to speak with a group of ladies a few weeks ago – the theme for the morning was Praise God Everyday Even on the Difficult Day. It was so much more than a theme for an event. It made me think deeper.
Wondering, do we think about the depth and power of praise as we should, especially on the challenging days? But maybe you do. Yes, we sing praise songs in collective worship before church services and events, but most days we just go through life. Expectant, routine, and distracted. That’s the norm.
I will bless the Lord at all times ~ His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 This is such a loaded verse — at ALL times . . .
When life goes well we say “praise God”. When it doesn’t we say “why God.”
But there’s this, also in Psalm 34 (:17-19) the righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I’ve certainly been crushed in spirit. I know a few hurting ones who are there right now. So, I’m guessing you know that hard place. The ordinary day can turn into a total free fall, not ordinary at all. It’s only the goodness of a watchful Father who can be so near to us in that devastating space.
Praise is a choice. Circumstances do not dictate our praise.
So yes, we can offer the sacrifice of praise to God every day, even on the most difficult even though life is filled with hardship. Praising God in tragic times doesn’t deny the heaviness of our heart. It’s not about faking fine to appear more spiritual. Honest can be hard. It’s taking the focus off of us and putting it on God, shifting our perspective when we allow praise to say, “Lord I trust You above what I see.”
Our praise is woven tightly into our testimony in the middle of the hard stories. Because the middle is where the miracle is.
Deep gratitude and hallelujah-moments are more than taking in an awesome sunset, mountain view or standing at the edge of the vastness of an ocean – it’s about the everyday awe. The every-day power of noticing. So let’s get excited with passionate praise, falling face first in adoration, not only in the extreme but through the ordinary and mundane.
Summer is coming to a close. Leaves change and fall, new classes begin, days are cooler and all things pumpkin spice. May we notice the now and the new . . .
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago. Psalm seventy-seven; eleven
Verna
Love This: “Our praise is woven tightly into our testimony in the middle of the hard stories. Because the middle is where the miracle is.”
Amen and Amen. He is worthy of ALL of our praise. Good days. Bad days. Hard days. Difficult years. Because in the middle of it all, He hold us in the palm of His hand and beneath the shadow of grace. And He promises to be with us…and that all will be clear in time. Thanks, Verna
Verna, I agree with what Jeanne shared. Thanks for sharing your heart with us and a special thanks for writing “Even Now”. The tears are still coming as I work through your book, this time writing in the pauses and answering the questions!! Going deeper in my story as you go deeper into yours. Blessings on you dear friend!
Amen, Glenda
You have been such an encouragement with kind comments about the new book, thank you Glenda. May it take both of us deeper into our story to the fullness of God’s purpose.