Seriously.... everything.
Most people have heard Rick Warren's quote, "In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, worship God. In painful moments, trust God." Although I agree that we should be doing these things, it would be wrong for us to reserve our praise and worship only for quiet and happy times. That was never God's original intent. God is worthy of praise. He is the only one worthy of praise. And since he never changes (Hebrews 13:8), He is always worthy of praise.
Read Luke 19:37-40 and decide for yourself:
"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
We should never want to hear the rocks cry out. This would mean that we aren't doing our job. Scripture constantly reminds us to praise God. Honestly, flip through Psalms--I doubt you will be able to find a page that does not mention praising God. (Seriously, do it.) After that, here are some verses elsewhere in relation to praising God:
- Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of he who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
- Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:4
- Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
- At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Daniel 4:34a
- Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1
- The Lord is my strength and defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
When we experience the goodness of God, praising him is a natural reaction. Luke 2:20 says, "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." However, in times of hardship, doubt, struggling, confusion, grief, etc., we often forget that God is still good. We are so quick to forget that he is still worthy of our praise. Regardless of our circumstances, God's goodness doesn't change... and neither does our responsibility (and privilege!) to praise him.
If you're having a hard time right now, I encourage you to listen to "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns and internalize it--make it your cry to God. You can click here to listen.
One last thing--I've been reading through a devotional called Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts (which I DEFINITELY recommend), and I came across a section that I can't help but share. Soak it in :)
The Healing Power of Joy
"You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy." John 16:20
Say not within yourself, "Where is God?" for I am within you, yes, even in your heart, and My hand is upon you. You have looked in vain for Me because you have sought to see Me in circumstances and in people and have said, "I cannot find Him."
O My child, look to me directly, and rest your heart in Me. Do so with as little distraction as would be easy to do if you were the only human being in the world and therefore would have no one else to look upon and no one else with whom to converse.
PRAISE ME. This I ask of you in times when it seems indescribably difficult to do so. I ask it of you in love that is stern at this point because I know unequivocally that praise is your only hope for survival.
Distress of soul and grief of heart can only bring destruction of body. Joy alone is a healer, and you can have it in the darkest hour if you will force your soul to rise to Me in worship and adoration. I have not failed you and you have not failed Me. It is only that you have failed yourself--or the disappointment has come on the human plane, not on the divine.
Why should you allow any human experience to alter or affect your divine relationship with your Father?
Bring me your sorrow, and watch for the sunrise of the resurrection. Yes, truly there comes always a resurrection--a morning when hope is reborn and life finds new beginning. Wait for it as tulip bulbs anticipate the spring. The rarest blooms are enhanced by the coldness of winter. The snow plays her part in producing spring's pageant. But when the blossoms break through, we do not then turn back to thoughts of winter, but instead, we look ahead to the full joys of the coming summer.
So you must do also. Your God is your maker. He is your defender. And He is mighty to save. Yes, He is not only mighty to save from sin, but He is mighty to save from despair, from sorrow, from disappointment, from regret, from remorse, from self-castigation, and from the hot, blinding tears of rebellion against fateful circumstances.
He can save you from yourself, and He loves you when you find it hard to love yourself.
Let His peace flow in you like a river, carrying away all the poison of painful memories, and bringing to you a fresh, clear stream of pure life and restoring thoughts.
This is not the end. Press on. The goal line is out ahead, and you may yet be a winner in the race of life.
Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
or fully declare his praise?
Psalm 106:1-2
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