This afternoon I took my short fitness walk on my coffee break while listening to Pandora. I have created my own channel with various Christian artists that my sons would refer to as “old school.” My walk became a time of praise as I listened to Russ Taft sing “Praise the Lord.”
The opening verse felt like a recital of the past several years. We have been up against struggles financially, physically and relationally. Dreams have been shattered. Hopes have felt crushed by Satan’s schemes. It would have been so easy to submit to fear. But faith…
What Happens When You Praise Him
We have learned that standing in faith and praising the Lord through the trials and struggles has allowed us to truly see God’s promises revealed in our lives. In Psalm 37:25 (AMP) it says, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous (those in right standing with God) abandoned or his descendants pleading for bread.” We have known miraculous provision and been blessed to see it in our children’s lives as well.
Don’t Believe the Lies
The second stanza reminded me that Satan is a liar. He does what he can to make us think we are poor and weak and alone, but even he knows that we are children of the King. We know that because we serve a risen Lord the work for our victory has already been done. We can be confident that we will overcome because our God is greater than our enemy! The Word tells us “Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].” (1 John 4:4 AMP)
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:1-3 NASB
Be Encouraged
Are you in a place of discouragement? Are you struggling to hang on to hopes and dreams? Begin to praise the Lord. Allow Him to remind you that those struggles, trials, and chains are there only to remind you that they are powerless when you praise Him. He will provide for you and use you if you will focus on Him rather than on the tough times you are going through.
Thankful that as I praise Him He allows me to move forward in my heart for home and family!
