Yesterday while preparing lunch for a friend, I listened to my worship station on Pandora. I have created my own channel with various Christian artists that my sons would refer to as “old school.” As I came in from setting the table on the patio, the Imperials’ “Praise the Lord” began to play. As tears ran down my face, I praised the Lord because He knew I needed to hear that song at that moment. I encourage you to take the time to listen.
The opening verse felt like a recital of the past several years. We have been up against struggles financially, physically, and relationally. Dreams shattered and creativity silenced. Hopes have felt crushed by Satan’s schemes. It would have been so easy to submit to fear.
Through the last months of the pandemic and isolation, our struggles seem to be magnified. The news and social media bombard us with fear of the unknown and what might happen. Again, it would be 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 for who He is 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)
Be encouraged
Are you feeling lonely and isolated? Are you in a place of discouragement or fear? Are you struggling to hang on to hopes and dreams? Begin to praise the Lord. Be reminded that those struggles, trials, and chains are only reminders to you that they are powerless when you praise Him. He will provide for you and use you as you focus on Him. Don’t be distracted by the difficulties.
I am so thankful I have the freedom to praise Him. And when I do, He allows me to move forward in my heart for home and family!
