When is the last time you didn’t feel like praising God?
We’ve likely all been there at one time or another. Sometimes the last thing we want to do is praise God. Perhaps it’s because we’re struggling with what’s going on in our mind and the thoughts we’re battling, which in turn effects our emotions. Perhaps it’s from the state of our heart and the war that’s raging for the love and attention of others. Perhaps it’s because of what’s going on around us, in the lives of others and the situations we find ourselves in - and it’s hard to breath…let alone bring praise.
In the facing of…
the heartbreak.
the anxiety.
the cancer diagnosis.
the infertility battle.
the death of a loved one.
the divorce.
the rejection.
the loss of a job.
the pain of a prodigal child.
When you have the opportunity to journey alongside someone in the thick of their pain, you get to see firsthand their intimate view of God. I’ve sat with some who have cursed God in the deep vastness of their pain. And I’ve witnessed some, through tears and sobs, be able to muster words that decree their hope still being in the One who saved them.
There is nothing that instantly puts a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes, more than praise flowing from the mouth of friends who are in the midst of pain and brokenness.
“Through him [Jesus], therefore, let us offer God a sacrifice of praise continually. For this is the natural product of lips that acknowledge his name.” – Hebrews 13:15 (CJB)
Jesus, being the Lamb that was slain for all who have sinned, was the final sacrifice that ever needed to take place, and His blood covers all. In turn for this gift of Salvation, we are to take His yoke upon us (ref. Matthew 11:28-30) and carry His name throughout all our days. As those who call upon His name, as their own, we are called to bring sacrifices of our praise and obedience to Him. Not out of religious mandate, but out of love and a heart of thanksgiving our sacrifice of praise proclaims our allegiance to His name.
May our lips bring a confession of our need for Jesus and our love for Him. In the morning when we rise. In the evening before we rest our head. In the joys of life and in the moments of dark pain, may we have the courage and faith to praise Him anyway. Praise Him despite our circumstance. Praise Him when we don’t understand. Praise Him because we believe He is our only Hope. Because He is worth our sacrifice of praise.
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