When I Don't Feel Like It

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.

Hebrews 13:15

I used to believe that to offer thanks and praises to God when I didn’t feel like it was being hypocritical and dishonest. Now I believe the opposite is true. When I choose to praise Him from my regenerated heart I am transformed and blessed through His power and presence.

All sacrifice involves offering something valuable to God and the sacrifice He desires most and accepts is the self-offering of His children. To praise our heavenly Father is to speak aloud His name and wonderful attributes, rather than to silently worship Him in our hearts. We praise Him in the midst of our suffering, when it’s most difficult, trusting God to be completely on our side.

Instead of telling a personal story, I’m including a portion of a recent blog from Catherine, a precious friend in the Lord. She granted me permission to share part of the following letter that she wrote to her child, lost through miscarriage, as she and her husband grieve.

“I can choose to see your empty cradle as a reminder of sadness and despair. I can choose to dwell on losing you and live in sadness. I won’t pretend to understand why God allowed us not to be together at this time. I don’t.  But, I do know that He can use this for His glory if I let Him. And I choose to see your cradle as a reminder of hope. Until that glorious day comes and I finally am able to hold you and kiss your sweet face:

I choose to move forward in joy.

I choose to cling to the hope that I have in Christ.

I choose to praise Him in the storms.

I choose to thank Him for your life.

I choose to let Him use this hard time for His glory...

Love you forever, Mommy”

Catherine’s complete blog is at www.choosingjoydaily.com.

God, may I choose to praise You no matter how I feel. You are worthy.

Karen Sims