When Trouble Comes: Praise God

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;

for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 59:16

My second advice to a younger me would be: When trouble comes, your strength will come through praising God. It is easy in the midst of difficulty to worry, become fearful or angry or even give up in despair. However, praising God will strengthen you. As you focus on God, His greatness transcends your circumstance.

Praising God during difficulties can be difficult and will not automatically happen. Praise must be a well-established pattern in your life. You must determine while young that whatever happens, you will praise God. This was the determination of Habakkuk. Though calamity came upon his nation, though the land lay in waste and though his source of income was gone, he resolutely determined, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:18). Establish the habit of praise early in life so that when trouble comes you are not at a loss for words.

The power of praise is taught in 2 Chronicles 20. A vast army was approaching King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He turned to God, who responded Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15).  Believing God’s word, Jehoshaphat appointed men to go before the army of Judah singing praise of God. As praise was lifted, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and destroyed them.

Praise of God defeats the enemy! Fear, doubt and discouragement will grow as you focus on the difficulty. These enemies can be crippling in your Christian walk. Focus instead on the character of Almighty God. As you consider His power and trustworthiness, the enemy will be defeated, and you will be strengthened.

Father, You are the Sovereign God. Through Your power, Your plans will be accomplished. Your plans are for Your glory and the good of Your people. I will trust Your goodness, Your faithfulness, Your love, and Your power. You are my Guide, my Strength, my Refuge and my Deliverer. Use this voice that You created to praise You in good times and in bad.

Jan Burkhart