Despite What You See, Praise!

Now is the time for a praise break.

I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to do when I feel pressed from all sides is praise. My body, mind, and emotions do not want to get in alignment with a praise break. However, we must praise despite our circumstances. Our God is worthy of all praise. If He never does another thing for us, He is still worthy of praise. We do not praise Him because we seek Him to fulfill a list of demands like a magic genie we rub from a lamp. We praise because of who He is. He is our creator. While we were yet in our mother's womb, He knew us. He has plans to prosper us, to give us a future and hope.

Praise shifts the atmosphere. I know. When you are discouraged, the last thing you want to do is go into a church and participate in praise and worship. You likely want to avoid having praise and worship in your home. You don't feel like cranking the tunes in the car for an all-out praise-fest. It can feel futile when you've just received a terrible health diagnosis that doesn't look good or a report that a child is in danger or Word that your spouse has been unfaithful. The weight of your circumstances today can make praise especially difficult, like too great of an effort. How can I raise my hands when my heart is so heavy? How can I praise when the mountain seems so great?

Remember, it is in your weakest moments that the enemy pushes you the most. But it is likewise in your weakness when Christ is proven strong. The enemy delights in moving you away from the church, away from the things of God, away from praising and reading the Word. Praise shifts the atmosphere in the spirit realm, and Discouragement cannot stand. Discouragement must bow to the name of Jesus. You can have peace despite the present-day circumstances. It is imperative that you begin to open your mouth and praise God for His faithfulness in past seasons, and it is even more important to praise Him in advance for what He will do in this next season. Your praise matters. It allows you to fight Discouragement well.

Points to Ponder:

• Host a 30-minute praise and worship session in your home or car every day this week. Get out the playlist, get quiet before the Lord, and then begin to speak out all the ways you are grateful. Praise His name. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. He is worthy of all praise.