Praise Him

God tells us throughout the Bible to praise Him at all times.

We can all say that it has been tough to praise Him or even rejoice at various times in our lives. We all have those seasons and moments that we experience when we just feel like we can’t lift our hands in praise to God, let alone our voices: the kids are rebellious, you lose your job, bills are piling up, you and your spouse are on edge, and you would like for it all to just go away!

I read a story of a mother, tired and weary, entering into the NICU to spend time with her baby that had been born prematurely. Her baby was once again under the blue light to help her get rid of the jaundice. Her eyes were covered to protect them from the light and she was hooked up to many different wires, including a tube to her nose that brought the necessary oxygen to help her live.

This mother bent down to bring her face close to her daughter and she asked God, “why?”

Just at that time a nurse came in and tapped this woman on the shoulder and asked her if she was ok. Her response was “yes”, but then the nurse asked, “Are you sure?” That was all it took for her to burst into tears.

The nurse gently reached over and embraced her and whispered in the mother’s ear, “God is still good. All the time.” Amazing words at just the right time; these words ministered to this mom in a divine way.

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness (Lam. 3:23). Even if we can’t see what’s ahead we can count on the fact that He has a future and hope for us (Jer. 29:11), and we can rest in His promises.

Today, may you fix your eyes on Jesus Christ the Author and Completer of our faith and rejoice in His goodness.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3