SING PRAISE TO GOD
Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praise to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
When I go outdoors and see the beautiful sky, feel the sunshine or cool breezes, I can’t help but give thanks and praise. But when I look around at the clutter and focus on it I am tempted to complain. At that moment it doesn’t seem to matter that we have made progress on it.
PRAISE INSTEAD OF COMPLAINT
Recently some friends and I were discussing how giving praise to God actually helps when we are down or feeling spiritually attacked. We may not feel much like praising or giving thanks, but it’s something that we are told to do over and over in the Bible.
This reminds me of how Paul and Silas sang hymns while in prison. They were severely beaten, and the jailer was charged to guard them carefully. So he led them to an inner prison and put their feet in stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
How could they, in the midst of their pain, sing hymns? I’m not sure I would have thought to do that. In their condition there was nothing physically they could do to help themselves.
But nothing could stop them from praying to God or singing.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and they will trust in the Lord.
You can read the whole account in Acts 16:16-34. It tells you why they were imprisoned, how they were miraculously freed, and how the jailer and his family believed in God.
DON’T LET CIRCUMSTANCES CONTROL YOU
I wish I would always remember to do what Paul and Silas did, instead of focusing on my circumstances and complaining. When I see my sons struggle with their muscular dystrophy, it is hard for me. I want to make it go away.
If I feel overwhelmed with all the clutter and other demands, it’s easy to start to complain. There are a number of other issues I can’t mention here, but I know that we all have struggles.
The best way I can prepare myself for those kinds of trials is by spending time communing with God. I try to read the Bible and pray every day, knowing that God is with me and hears my prayers.
God also uses friends to remind me of His goodness and to point me back to Him. Two special friends have prayed, made suggestions and encouraged me during this 31 Day series. Even tonight they reminded me how we praise God when we look for Him in every situation.
I may not be able to change my circumstances, but when I see God in them and trust Him throughout, I give Him praise.
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
That is what Paul and Silas did even though they were in prison. I pray that my life will allow the light of Christ to shine through me, that others will know the joy I have in Him.
This is Day 12 of Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes, and the prompt word is praise.
I’m linking up with #FiveMinuteFriday, even though this post did take longer than 5 minutes.
I’m also linking up with: #BVNetworkParty, #Grace&Truth
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
Dear Gayl,
This is so full of God’s encouragement tonight. Not just to say “Praise God!” (although that is right and good!) but to look for God’s goodness everywhere we go. Such precious Scriptures that you shared too. And you are a gift from the Lord this way: “That is what Paul and Silas did even though they were in prison. I pray that my life will allow the light of Christ to shine through me, that others will know the joy I have in Him.” Your life is such a reflection of His light, and I am thankful for the ways that you have touched my life with Him! Love & Hugs! xoxo
Dear Bettie, I am so glad you were encouraged. Again, I thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. Oh, dear sister, you have also touched my life with the light of Jesus. Love and hugs and blessings to you! xoxo
We were thinking along similar lines today.
Yes, we were! Blessings to you!
Love the reminder to turn complaints into praise. Great post and love your collages!
Thanks so much, Karen. You are such an encouragement to me! Blessings to you! xo
Beautifully written Gayl. Praise is the only thing that brings me through hard times. I’m so thankful God made me with a heart of praise, even during troubled times.
Thank you so much, Barbie! Yes, praise really does help. It takes our minds off our circumstances and on to the gifts God has given us. Blessings to you!
Amen… <3 Sharing.
Thank you, dear Bette! Blessings to you! xo
Thanks for sharing your story, including that of your sons. You have touched on an important truth. Our circumstances can seem hopeless, but God brings joy and hope even when we can’t see a ray of light.
Your mention of Paul and Silas reminded me of Joseph in prison in Egypt. Falsely accused, forgotten for years, BUT GOD WAS STILL WITH HIM. God made sure it worked out for the best.
Genesis 39:19-23 The Message (MSG)
Joseph’s master took him and threw him into the jail where the king’s prisoners were locked up. But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
Lisa, thanks for your encouragement. Yes, Joseph is another example of how God is with us no matter what the circumstances and He has it all under control. Blessings and love to you! xo
Thanks for sharing! I love this message 😀 I would love for you to to follow me, as I’m also a blogger, & have a heart to encourage as well. I’m currently looking for other genuine bloggers I can connect with & build community with.
Thanks for visiting! I will take a look at your blog, too. I love to connect with others who love God and want to encourage. Blessings to you!
Psalm 40:3 – one of my favorite verses! It fit perfectly here, too!!
It’s a great verse! Thanks for visiting, Jennifer. Blessings to you!
What a beautiful, encouraging post! I was also greatly convicted by the words in one of your lovely collages: ” Don’t let circumstances control you. Choose your outlook.” I have been feeling so low and discouraged over the last few days. Not helped by the weather changing to leaden skies, chilly temperatures and rain, and having several challenging issues happening one after the other. Most of which I have yet to solve. Each new thing brought angst and frustration, as well as tears and prayers. My emotions are having a hard time keeping up with what my faith knows is the better and best response! Thank you, Gayl, for always being a loving, caring person and a shining light of Christ for me. Especially today, as your words hit home in all the right ways. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear friend! xoxo
Thank you, Joy. I’m so glad you were encouraged! It’s so hard when you feel low and discouraged and so many things happen out of your control. It’s not easy to make a conscious decision to look change our attitudes. I pray that you will find comfort and be able to solve of the issues.
I thank you, too, for being an inspiration and encouragement to me. I’m so glad to call you my friend. Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo