Praise in the Storm

Psalm 34:1-3 (TLB) I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all His kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt His name.

When you get bad news what is your first response? I'll be honest with you, though I'm continually working on my faith walk, I still haven't quite gotten to the place where my initial reaction is always glorious praise. I still feel the sting of the blow, but even in the midst of disappointment and pain I have come to realize that our God can be trusted. I wish that meant that I never complain...I have a long way to go in so many areas... there's still a war that goes on between my flesh and my spirit. We really can trust Him completely with our lives regardless of how things currently look or feel. He's a good God and if we will give Him praise in the midst of the most trying circumstances we will experience His peace and encouragement. He's got a plan for our lives and He uses every situation to ultimately fulfil it! Yes, the enemy will cause diversions, but God is so much greater and if we'll keep our faith and remain focused on Him, He will turn the attack into a testimony.

Another benefit of worshipping Jesus in the midst of the storm is the confusion it causes in the enemy's camp. As he comes to divert our attention from the Lord, we begin to use the trial as fuel that drives us into His arms! Worship also turns our attention from the problem to the problem solver. Let's stop giving the enemy the attention he desires. Resist him and consciously begin to give God praise no matter what happens. He is so worthy of it!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 34:1-3 (NKJV) I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.

James 4:7-8 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

1 Peter 5:6-10 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.