TODAY’S INSPIRATION: PRAISE IS WHAT WE DO…

Perhaps you are feeling discouraged and overwhelmed right now. Perhaps You think everything is going wrong and your life is a mess. You may be grieving for the loss of a loved one. Someone may have broken your heart. Your body may be in pain, and you are mentally drained. Finances are tight, and you are struggling from day to day. Someone somewhere is going through something. In Psalms 150:6, King David said, “Let everything that have breathe praise the Lord.” But praising God is the last thing you feel like doing. I encourage you do not let how you are feeling keep you from praising God who can change all of that and give you peace in the middle of whatever you may be going through.  

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

In the mist of our trials and tribulations we must make a conscious decision to praise God. Yes, even though the tears are flowing, praise Him anyhow! It is easy to praise and thank God when we are joyful, and we can see His blessings flowing. It is easy to praise Him when we see Him working in our lives. Faith is praising Him even when we don’t see or understand what God is doing. Faith is praising Him no matter how we feel, because we know God is always working on our behalf. Don’t allow the devil to make you think otherwise.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-19)

“With my mouth I will give great thanks to the lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.” (Psalm 109-30)

“But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” (John 5:17)

Every day we go head to toe against the schemes of satan, he tries to manipulate our emotions and feelings so we can feel defeated. But we must remember that although we still battle, our victory has been accomplished. We are fighting from victory not for victory. When Jesus endured the cross and conquered the grave, we became soldiers whose ultimate conquest is assured! The battle looks different when you know you already won! It’s like the war Joshua was asked to fight, to claim the occupied Promised Land that God had already given, “The land is yours” God told him, “You own it, and My Word is the title deed. I promised it to Abraham; I will give it to you. But you must fight.” (Joshua 1). Joshua led the nation of Israel in some fierce battles, but Joshua owned the dirt everywhere he put his foot down. He had the deed. He was fighting not for victory; he was fighting from victory already made certain by God Himself. That is where we stand. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, but they are very real just the same. And just like Joshua we already won!

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; (Ephesians 6:12-18)

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

We should praise God while going through and in the middle of any situation or circumstance. Jesus said there will be trials and tribulations in this world. He also said He had defeated them. We must focus on God and not the problems. During times of troubles, we must trust God’s hidden workings and exercise our faith. He promised that he would never leave or forsake us. We can thank Him for His unfailing love, and His faithfulness to deliver, protect and provide for us even if we don’t see it yet. We can praise Him for who He is. We can praise Him because we have the breath to do it! Let us praise the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever! Love and Blessings…

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” (Psalm 71:8)