"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 43:1
So many scriptures throughout the Bible encourage us to praise God - at all times! How could you possibly be expected to praise God while you are in so much pain, discomfort, and turmoil?
Recall how while Paul and Silas, after being severely beaten and imprisoned began singing praises to God at midnight. Having been beaten with wooden rods with their feet in stocks, I'm sure they must have felt incredible pain; probably still oozing and bleeding from their wounds. Nonetheless, amid their trial, they chose to sing and worship the Lord, their God. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the foundation of the prison, and all the prison doors were open! (Acts 16:25-34)
Even before the walls had fallen, on the seventh day circling around Jericho, the children of Israel blew the trumpets and shouted and gave praise to God for their inevitable victory. In what seemed like an impossible situation, praise gave the victory. (Joshua 6:1-27)
Abraham facing an improbable situation gave glory to God and considered not circumstances contrary to the promise. He and Sarah were both beyond childbearing age, yet God had promised Abraham that he would be the 'father of many nations.' Abraham chose to not give attention to his and Sarah's bodies, but rather to give God praise and glory, being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Despite all odds, God was faithful to His promise and in their old age, Isaac was born.
Even during our darkest hours when our circumstances seem impossible, we can choose to lift our hearts to the Lord and give Him praise. Praise will cause your focus to be on the solution, not on the problem. It's so easy when your symptoms are screaming at you, to direct your attention there. That's what the devil wants you to do. Instead, endeavor to change your focus and give God praise in the midst of your trial. Don't wait until you see the victory to praise God. No, praise Him right in the middle of your challenge!
DAILY DECLARATION
Like Abraham, I choose today to consider not my own body. But, I choose to give God glory. I thank you Father, that you are a faithful God, who has promised to never leave me or forsake me. Thank you Father, that Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses. I magnify Your Name. Your praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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