The Old and New Testament have no shortage of stories of men and women who experienced trials. Some experienced years of physical illness, others were overrun by political enemies, and others have felt abandoned and stripped of loved ones and material goods. Yet, a common thread of hope and praise resound from each point in time and join in an eternal chorus of praise.
Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)”
Amidst political defeat, an Israelite said, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him,” (Lamentations 3:23).
Before they were thrown into what should have been a fatally hot furnace the three men told their opposition, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.” (Daniel 3:16-17)
The psalmist wrote, in a psalm quoted by Christ on the cross, “My God... why have you forsaken me?” and yet continues in the same psalm, “I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.,” (Psalm 22:1,22)
Lord Jesus, I give you my all. Even if I cannot see you, help me to know you are at work in my life. Blessed be your name. Amen.
For Today: What are you struggling with today? How can you turn your song of struggle into a song of praise? Join in the chorus of people all throughout time who have let the Holy Spirit work in them to continue to praise God. Sing a song
or pray the verses above.