09/10/2024
Praise is Always a Choice
The Psalmist said,
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalm 34:1
Praise is always a choice. Even in difficult times, we can choose to praise God. I can choose to allow fear and worry to control my heart and mind, or I can choose to praise the Lord and confess that He is in control.
Lifting our voice amid difficult times is not always easy, but it is a choice. When I chose to praise the Lord even in hard times, at least three things happen.
1. Praise moves my focus from myself to God
Going through difficult times is simply part of life. God never promised us isolation from hardship or challenges. During those times, it’s easy to get completely focused on me and my problems. If we are not careful, we can become so centered on the problem, that we forget the problem solver.
The Psalmist said,
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11
When I praise God during difficult times, my focus moves away from me and moves to God. Many years ago, I heard a preacher say, too often we gaze at our problems and glance at God. However, we should be gazing at God and glancing at our problems.
As we praise God in difficult times, move our focus from ourselves and onto the one who loves and cares for us.
2. Praise Reminds Us that God is in control.
As I praise God during the difficult times, I am reminded that God is still in control. God is never surprised by the things that come into my life. God never says, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming, I hope Billy makes it through this.”
Jesus said in Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:29-31 (NASB)
When we praise God in difficult times, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father is not only aware of our situation but is in complete control. He not only cares but promises to strengthen and help us. The prophet Isaiah said,
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
When we praise God in difficult times, we gain new hope as we remember that God is in control and is working for my good.
