Praising Him In The Storm

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    My father-in-law entered the presence of Jesus last night.  He is with the thousands around the Throne, praising the King.  Those of us left behind experience the pain of earthly separation of a loved one.  The pain is raw and leaves us exhausted and numb. We know he is experiencing a joy we can only imagine vaguely, but the ache is so acute right now.  Our minds don't even know what or how to pray at times like these.  

    Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is ready and able to carry the pain in our hearts to the Father and intercede for us at times like these.  

    Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

Job suffered more loss and affliction than most of us can even imagine.  What was his response to tragedy?

"Though He slay me, I will yet praise Him..." Job 13:15

How on earth could Job say such a thing? 

Habbakuk gives us a similar example.  

    Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! GOD the Lord is my strength;  

Habbakuk 3:18

    Why is it so important that we turn to praise when our hearts are hurting? Because Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)  God's presence is there!  We desperately need His presence during these times of earthly pain.  Praise is where He is.  Praise is what He created us for.  Praise disarms the Enemy.  

    Our church has experienced much loss in many ways in recent days and months.  My prayer is that we keep the praises of our Savior on our tongues.  Through daily immersion in His word we can continually bring the sacrifices of praise.  We can dwell in the courts of the Lord and experience His joy as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  His Comforter is with us.  Through our praises, God is present. Through our praises, the enemy is defeated.

“God, you are the Holy One. You sit as King upon the praises of Israel” Psalm 22:3

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 

Psalm 100:4


💓 Heather Sparks💓


Comments

  1. BarbaraFebruary 15, 2022 at 8:28 AM

    Thank you Heather for sharing your faith with us and your knowledge of God’s word. Again praying for you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  2. HeatherFebruary 15, 2022 at 12:02 PM

    ❤❤

    ReplyDelete

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