I’ve told you before how my pastor has often said, “You can praise your way through anything!”, but let’s take a look at the power of those words and find their truth in the Psalms.
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” Ps. 3:5 NIV
When we can’t sleep because of the inner pain we bear, or lie awake in despair (also known as depression)—He sustains us.
“But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.” 5:7
One of the greatest privileges of His mercy is found in the openness of His sanctuary, where we are welcome to cast our cares.
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.’ 9:9-10
Do you, really, know what that means?—’opressed’. Or did you, like me, have to overcome some obscure definition through the eyes of the church? Would it be enough to say, you have been weighed down greatly by grief, torment, or fear. Do they, not, co-exist? Or wait, didn’t He tell us fear brings torment? Have you ever been in such a place? One where you trusted Him and sought Him just the same?
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” 18:16
Has He pulled you out of a pit of your own making?
“Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.” 20:6
Has He poured out His presence upon you and saved you by the power of His authority?
“Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.” 25:7
Have you, really, been forgiven?
“To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.” 28:1-2
Do you know about the sacrifice of praise? Have you reached higher with no strength to bear?
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.” 34:18-20, 22
Do you, really, understand what it means to be righteous? Do you understand why many seem forsaken and condemned? Have YOU felt such condemnation—found such a place of refuge?
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” 37:39
Do you know this stronghold? Has something held you so strong?
“I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.” 38:14-15
Have you ever searched for His voice and awaited His reply? Have you been left without words?
“But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” 39:2, 7
Have you kept silent and found anguish in nothing? Have you found hope in Him?
Can you, really, praise your way through anything?
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