Dear Parishioners,
It is natural to praise God when everything is going so well for us. Whenever things are rosy, we tend to sing praises of His holy name but it becomes very difficult for most of us to sing praises of that same God who has made things rosy for us. It takes a real sacrifice to offer praise when things are not going as expected. The Bible says we should give thanks at all times. There were no specifications regarding this instruction, it didn't say we should give thanks when things are going well for us, and then grumble whenever things aren't going well. Whenever things are not rosy, we feel disturbed, discouraged, and weary. We oftentimes, think God is distant from us, and that is why all these things are happening to us. Sometimes, we think God doesn't care about us hence He has allowed this pain to come upon us.
There is a big difference between when we praise God in all situations and when we praise Him just because things are going as expected. Praising God in difficult situations is the gateway to overcoming that situation which at the end will bring us victory. The question is why did God instruct believers to give Him praise at all times? Well, I think the answer is not farfetched. There is power in praise! Secondly, whatever situation you are going through doesn't less His Personality. God is still God irrespective of anyone's circumstances.
There is no situation that is bigger than God. He has always been in-charge even if we think otherwise. Praising God in times of trouble paves way for God's manifestation of His glory and power. And singing to the glory of His name invites God's presence in any situation no matter how dicey it may seem. King David was a man who knew the secrets behind praising God. He was able to win great wars and God called him - the man after His own heart. Just like humans, whenever someone sings of our praise, it melts the heart and creates room for greater things. As humans, we all love it whenever people appreciate our deeds. We feel lifted just because someone said "You're very kind" This also applies to God. He is always happy whenever we appreciate His love, kindness, and mercy towards us.
Someone once said to me "Always praise God as your life depends on it" when you're faced with situations beyond your power and control, singing praises to God will help you find your faith in case you've lost it in the first place. The children of Israel were faced with a very difficult situation and when they cried to God, He simply asked them to go round the walls of Jericho, singing praises to His name. We all know the outcome of that simple task. Miracles happen when you praise God because it moves Him into action. Paul and Silas prayed and sang, and the Holy Ghost came down to set them free through an earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison.
Praising God in difficulties is simply letting Him know how powerless you are in that situation. You're also simply telling Him to come takeover that messy situation. And when we praise God in bad times, it helps to shift our attention from the core problem and focus on the real problem solver if you ask me, it's easier to channel all your energy on someone who is capable of solving your problems rather than dwell on things that will make the situation messier. Singing praises to God at all times will help lift our faith - it eliminates doubt and negativity.
Don't get me wrong cause I know it is sometimes difficult to always do this, but one thing is certain. if we soak ourselves with the word of God then it becomes a bit easier to believe and trust God. The word of God reminds us of His promises, love, and power. It's a constant reminder of why we believed in Christ Jesus by faith even without seeing Him. The Bible is also filled with testimonies of those early Christians that praised God in tough situations and it changed for good. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes! I am here today just to encourage us to always give Him praise at all times no matter the situation. I pray God will grant us the grace to sing praises to His Holy Name, Amen!
Thank Y'all for reading!!
God bless!