It is easy for anyone to praise God when they have everything going well and there is no cause to be burdened one way or the other. Most of us Christians believe the only times to be happy and praise God is when there are no problems and all our heart desires and requests are met just as we want them but David puts it best: “I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in mouth”-Psalm 34:1
Spiritual maturity is when all the odds are against you and you are drowned in the deep waters and you go through the fiery furnace yet you PRAISE GOD! That is the spirit of a true worshipper.
Our relationship with God is comparable to a married couple; the marriage is for life, through thick and thin. Each partner must discern the times and seasons and stick with the other through the good times and the bad times because the journey is not going to be all rosy and so it is in our walk with God.
Many of God’s servants and children before us did not have it all easy; they encountered one trouble or the other but held on to their faith. Job lost houses, friends, family, honor etc yet he did not lose his praise! Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him….”
There are so many reasons why we must praise God at all times, why we must not lose it but we will examine only three (3). It is expedient for us to learn to praise God in hard times because:
- It is God’s will for us – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” So, in every situation, we should learn to praise God because it is as He has purposed and this directly leads to point no. 2
- Learn to praise God in all situations because whether good or bad, He will turn it out for your good – Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Because it is His will for us, He will work it out to favor us always so praise Him in advance!
- We must not lose our praise because it is what is needed to lose the chains of the enemy! You are dangerous when the enemy breaks you yet you praise God! It disarms and weakens the enemy whilst you are empowered and revived! Acts 16:25-26 – “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone‘s bands were loosed.”
Praising God at our worst (when totally broken) means the very best to God; it demonstrates our faith in Him. With faith, we can please God and faith comes through consistency in hearing His word. Rom. 10:17
Study His word, pray and praise always. Praise is what we must do, don’t lose it!