My soul has been saturated with calamities. (Psalm 88:3)
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Things are tough for many people, both with personal issues and world concerns.
As Christians, we must continue to praise God in these difficult times. Here are three examples.
Hezekiah
The Assyrians threatened Israel when Hezekiah was king, speaking to the people and delivering a letter. Hezekiah entered the house of the LORD, and spread out the letter before the LORD. Hezekiah started with praise:
O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. (Isaiah 37:16)
Then Hezekiah made his plea, and prayed his purpose:
Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, Lord, are God. (Isaiah 37:20)
Habakkuk
Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah when the Babylonians (Chaldeans) threatened Israel. Habakkuk knew that the LORD appointed then to judge and correct Israel and knew horrible times were coming. He resolved to praise.
Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17–19)
A Personal Story
When I was diagnosed with a serious eye issue, I was 1200 miles from my doctors, and travel wasn’t immediately possible. I didn’t know if I would retain full vision, or if I would lose my ability to read or drive. Would I still be independent? I would wake in the middle of the night looking around to see if I could still see.
At the time, I was slowly working on the final edits of my book (When Storms Come), with the help of enlarged computer images and magnifying glasses, focusing on God’s sovereignty and His love. I determined to praise.
“Though my eyesight gets worse and I can no longer read or drive, even if I become blind and lose my independence, yet I will exult in the Lord, my Marker, my shelter from life’s storms. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation, the God of my hope. I will praise my Lord Jesus Christ who lives in me and intercedes for me with the Father. I will praise the Holy Spirit who dwells in me and guides me to all truth. God Almighty has brought me safe so far, and He will bring me home.” (When Storms Come, page 193)
As I went through those uncertain days, sometimes I was scared, but sometimes I was giddy with the joy of God’s presence and the certainty that He would be with me, even in blindness.
Now, after six eye surgeries, I see well. Thank You, Almighty God!
How about you?
Whatever your situation, you are called to praise God, to rejoice always, to give Him thanks throughout everything.
Will you resolve to praise our great God?
