Praising God in ALL circumstances is something that is much easier said than done, amen?
My mind immediately goes to the thought of Paul. Paul, sitting in a dark eerie cell. Paul, beaten and stoned. Paul, with no reason whatsoever to have anything similar to a smile on his face. The same Paul who throughout all of his sufferings remained consistent with his joy.
How? My mind cannot fathom the depression and fear that SHOULD have come with all that Paul faced, but DIDN’T. I have Jesus in my heart just as much as Paul did, yet I find it difficult to remain in a praising state when life isn’t going my way. Life sure wasn’t going Paul’s way, but he, just like you and I, have to make a choice. A choice to throw a pity party and look at all of the bad things going on in a situation or a choice to throw a praise party and declare your trust in the Father over the situation.
Again, easier said than done, but diving deep into the word gives us plenty of encouragement and structure to go by.
Trusting God’s perfect timing along with His perfect plan can come with a peace like no other. That Godly peace is a key to being able to cast all worry aside and remain in a joyous mode while going through any circumstance. The way Christ uses our struggles to help us gain strength in Him is a beautiful picture.
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In whatever season you are facing in your life, remember that things change, but our God doesn’t. Strive to remain in a place of praise while remembering God remains in a place of faithfulness.
