Day 14: Praise Through the Pain
“Then [the people] stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” (v. 19).
Outside of church, do you listen to worship music?
In general, I’m not much of a music person. When I’m driving around in my car or doing housework, I’m more likely to listen to an audiobook or podcast. But occasionally, I’ll play worship music and sing along.
I’m always thankful when I do. Praise produces such a sweet time of fellowship with the Lord.
In the song “Blessed Be Your Name,” there’s one line that always sticks out to me: “When there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.” Whew, that’s tough. A few times, I’ve had to stop singing, pull the car over, and just allow the tears to stream down my face.
After all, it’s easy to praise God when we’re happy. If our relationships are flourishing, our bills are paid, and our medical tests don’t reveal a shocking diagnosis (or whatever your version of the “good life” entails), our praise pours out in abundance.
In hard times, it’s not so easy.
It is in times of trouble that we offer a “sacrifice of praise.” We have to dig in deep, by faith, and choose to praise him through our pain. In a way, it’s an act of defiance against the enemy. It declares that we choose to trust the Lord, no matter what happens.
Our circumstances may not change, but our perspective may shift. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, hope is renewed and we are strengthened to endure.
If you feel weary today, make a choice to rejoice.
Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Today’s encouragement: Turn on worship music. Sing to the Lord or reflect upon the lyrics in your heart. Then, reach out to someone who is hurting. Comfort others with the comfort you’ve been given by the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I choose to praise you today. You deserve my worship.