Day 2: Finding Joy in Praise

God never promised that this life would be easy. In fact, He warned us that it would be hard. But He also gave us a promise: He will be with us through it all. We are never alone. He walks through the fire with us, friends. And we will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2b).

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God allows only what will mature and sanctify us. He allows only what will make us holy. And the God of redemption will redeem all things for His glory. He wins back a situation. He frees us from distress. He helps us overcome something detrimental. He restores and repairs and makes our struggles worthwhile.

The pain that you may be facing right now or will face at some future date in your journey, the pain that you walked through last year, will be made worthwhile. He is at work in us, always ministering to our hearts through it all.

While last year was a time of weeping and mourning for us, this year laughter and dancing have come. Worship songs sent to me, others singing alongside me at church, worship music in the background of my days—through the hurt, without my even realizing it, praises carried me. I felt carried by song last year. And this year, as the clouds roll away and the sun warms up our days, dancing and laughter are here again. Dance parties are more common, and songs sung come from a place of deep knowing—for truly I can sing about how good my God is because He has proven it to me.

Joy does come in the morning, and whether we are being carried by the music, held by others’ prayers, or simply singing by ourselves and shouting aloud of God’s grace and goodness, praising Him is what carries us through the storms of life. It is what gives our lives color.

Praises proclaim His story of faithfulness.

As the Psalmist said, Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:4–5 ESV)

What praises can you sing today?