When we face trials and tribulations it is easy to question God and doubt His love and purpose for our lives. Many Christians believe that we shouldn’t have any struggles because we serve an omnipresent and omnipotent God, who can prevent and/or eliminate any obstacles. Therefore, when trouble strikes, many believers’ faith in God waivers; and instead of leaning more on God, for His guidance and wisdom, they are stricken with doubt and uncertainty. This type of response, however, is just what the enemy, Satan, wants when we are going through rough periods in our lives. The devil wants us to doubt God, question His love for us, and turn our backs on our beliefs and His teachings. Essentially, when unfortunate circumstances succeed at turning our focus away from God, we are more vulnerable to the enemies’ schemes.
However, the key to overcoming trouble is praising God. To get through the calamities in our lives, we need to praise God, instead of doubting Him. The word praise means to express warm approval or admiration of. Praise is also a verb and an action word; thus, when we praise God, we are petitioning Him to advocate on our behalf. Therefore, even in our worse times, we need to show the Father that we still approve of Him and admire Him for all that He is and does.
The great leaders in the Bible illustrated to us how to overcome turbulent times. Time and time again, in the Bible, people who saw miraculous manifestations, and received answers to their prayers, were praisers. We read in 2 Chronicles 20:21 (KJV), that before King Jehoshaphat went into battle, he appointed special men to adorn the Lord with songs of praise.
“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth forever” (2 Chr 20:21, KJV).
Likewise, Daniel, who was cast into the lion’s den, was kept alive due to his praise. Instead of spending time he had in the den doubting God and His sovereignty, he found his rescue from death as he praised God. Daniel 2:20 (KJV) states, “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his…” The King was also amazed that God responded to Daniel’s worship. Daniel 6:20 (KJV) states, “And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”
Finally, God is a god of action. When we praise Him, He fights our battles. Praising Him, instead of doubting His existence, is the key to experiencing right now miracles. Silas and Paul (Acts 16:25-26), can attest to the right now miracles that are available to believers when they praise God even when it is difficult to do so.
Learn from our great men and women in the Bible who have overcome their battles and hardships, by praising the only God who could deliver them from great despair. Praising God in your circumstance could be the very thing needed to change your life.
Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me…
Lenesha L. Shack lives in Upper Marlboro, MD. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America.
Congratulations!
Amen sis!
Beautiful!!!
This was my response when I went through difficulty a few years ago. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
This is a really good article Lenesha. Well written
Great article Lenesha!
I think this is wonderful
Great encouragement. Praising God.
Awesome!
Amen