I have long believed that people underestimate the power that comes from praising the Lord, especially during times of trial. I know I used to. I have discovered through my own trials, which as anyone who lives with chronic pain and disease can attest....have been many...that relief comes through the act of praising God, especially with song. I will admit that more often than not I don't feel up to the task. Sometimes I wake up feeling a bit resentful that I can no longer do the things I used to enjoy most in life. OK....sometimes a lot resentful....OK....sometimes a downright snarky attitude gets a grip on my spirit! Often my throat hurts, possibly from my enlarged thyroid. Breathing can be difficult because of my heart issues and it's painful to sit upright or take a deep breath because of the calcifications on my spine. Please understand, I am not complaining, merely pointing out that I, more than most, understand how difficult it can be to sing praises to God when pain or other trials seem to thwart every effort to express gratitude. But I also understand that praising Him is essential to my survival, both physically and spiritually.
I do not profess to understand how it works, only that it DOES work. Days that I am feeling the least able to praise Him seem to produce the most blessings. I supposed the bible doesn't refer to it as the "sacrifice of praise" for no reason. For me sometimes it does physically hurt to sing His praises. But boy howdy does He ever bless me for my efforts!
So today if you are experiencing health issues or trials and heartaches that seemingly will never end.....turn on some praise music and sing along, clap your hands, dance....whatever you are able to manage. Sometimes I find the effects immediate and long lasting, at others I need to repeat the process frequently. Just as a walk in the desert causes one to thirst, so too do trials increase the need to drink from the steam that flows from the well of Living Waters which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lasum le'avelei Tziyon, ma'ateh t'hilah tachat Ruach Keha in Hebrew means:
"To grant to those who mourn in Zion a garment of praise for a spirit of despair."
Pick up your garment today! See how quickly the Lord will replace your spirit of despair with one of thanksgiving. Believe me, you do not need to feel thankful before approaching Him. If done with a spirit of obedience and love for Him your feelings will soon follow!
FATHER, may all who read this today receive a word of encouragement and may You be blessed by the praises which rise up from Your people even amidst the trials and strife that are so prevalent in this fallen world. In Jesus' mighty name! Amen!!!