Life is full of tests, trials, discouragement, and opportunities to quit on the way to fulfilling your God-given destiny. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration….” But thankfully, He didn’t stop there. He continued, “but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 (Amp.)
So what do you do when you encounter tests, trials, tribulations, afflictions, persecutions, and such? Do you cry and feel sorry for yourself? Do you question where the Lord is and if He’s ever going to come through for you? Do you wonder why the devil’s picking on poor little ole you?
No! These times are the perfect opportunities for you to be a doer of the Word and “put on the garment of praise.” Isaiah 61:3 says that God has given us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (discouragement, weakness, fainting, grief)…” When life seems too hard, when things just aren’t going the way they’re supposed to go, when you’re down and discouraged, that’s the time to get your praise on!
Hebrews 13:15 says, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Sometimes, it may seem like the hardest thing to do is to praise the Lord in the midst of pain, distress or suffering, but that’s when we offer up the “sacrifice of praise.” It might be difficult on the mind and the flesh, but it does absolute wonders for your spirit man – and ultimately your whole life!
Praise is one of the weapons in our arsenal as believers that will defeat the enemy every time. We see evidence of this in 2 Chronicles 20, when instead of fighting, the Israelites stood still and gave praise to the Lord. It was when they begin to sing and to praise that the Lord set ambushments against their enemies. They didn’t have to fight – they only had to praise!
When we praise, we position ourselves in faith, and pave the way for the Lord to work in our lives. Praise is an attitude of the heart that refuses to consider circumstances, but instead determines to fully trust in the Lord!
When you praise, you acknowledge that God is greater than any circumstance or situation you face, that He has only good in store for you, and that He is willing and able to bring that goodness to pass in your life.
Psalm 57:7 says, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” No matter what you go through, you can keep your heart fixed (steadfast, confident, unwavering, and faithful) by singing and giving the Lord praise.
We have the Lord’s promise that we will encounter tests and trials in this world, but He has also promised us that He has already overcome the world.
So when faced with the temptation to fret, feel sorry for yourself, and become discouraged, instead choose to get your praise garment on.
Choose to keep your heart fixed and confident in the Lord. Then watch as He works and moves in miraculous ways in your life!
Alisha,
You’re right. CHOOSING to praise is an action, not a feeling. So often, though, when we choose to praise, God sends the feelings also. After all, how can we not feel happier after we’ve spent a few moments gazing “full in Your wonderful face. . . and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. . . ” Thanks for the reminder to turn our eyes upon Jesus. Visiting from Be Not Weary today 🙂
You are exactly right, Lori! And, that is one of my favorite songs!! Thanks for visiting. Blessings to you, Alisha
Alisha,
This morning, as I woke up and wanted desperately to crawl back into bed….I began counting my blessings and remembering why I get up early…for that quiet time alone with the one who woos me…..and I praised Him….I did not look at my list of ‘to do’s’ or worry about what I could not get finished (since I hit that snooze button)….instead, I gave thanks and praise. Your words are timely and beautiful!!! Thank you!
What a beautiful way to start the day, Rebecca. We should always begin our days with praise and adoration for Him. He is so worthy!
great reminder… be more than a hearer and put on the garment of praise!
thanks.
Amen! Blessings to you, Richelle!
Amen! Joy is our strength! Rejoice because God is Good All the time!!! in every situation! 🙂 stopping by from Miscellany Monday blessings
Yes He is!!! Thank you for visiting, Danise. Blessings to you today!
I love this.
That’s right! We need to give Him or gratitude NOT our atitude 🙂 GREAT post!!
“We need to give Him our gratitude NOT our attitude!” LOVE this, Kim!!! I’m tweeting that!!! 😉
Isn’t amazing how much better you feel when you praise and thank God for everything. Even times of trial. 🙂
Have a very blessed Thursday my friend.
Amen, Sherri! It sure does change your perspective, doesn’t it?
So encouraging! A beautiful reminder of how important it is to always praise and thank God!
Thank you, Lisa. Blessings to you!
Praise certainly reminds us how God is able to meet any and every need and do anything! I’m trying to get in the practice of praising God for His answer to a prayer request before I see the fruits of that answer. Thanks for sharing with WIP!
That’s something we all need practice, Mary Beth! Blessings!
Thank you a million times over for this post. I so needed to hear this! Your words helped me to put things in proper focus. It gets hard sometimes to face breast cancer, but I know that praising Him through the storms will make all the difference in the world! Thank you also for linking up at Leaving a Legacy.
Blessings~
Shari
Shari, God is so faithful! He is going to bring you through this storm with great victory and a testimony of triumph. I am standing with you in faith! Blessings, Alisha
It is harder to keep your eye and heart trained in this direction when you lose a child. It is a true test of faith.
Luke wouldnt want me to be bitter and sad…..so I read these lines and know I must go on.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t even imagine the pain you must be going through. I pray that the Holy Spirit will surround you with His love, comfort, peace & strength.