dennis j adams

The after thought of any circumstance in a believer should be “Did I praise Him in that situation?” During the life of a person there are so many situation that come to shape the character of that person. Some situations are easy to handle and others are difficult and slippery. The one common denominator in situational character building is that there is a purpose to praise and a given opportunity to also learn about God’s love. His love is the purpose of our searching though life for something better and truthful. With a life that is so often full of lies and fears God’s love restrains His grip on His children and wards off the unnecessary negativity of others. There is always the opportunity to deliberately praise Him and His doing! When Job was hit with the worst situation ever in His life his wife wanted him to curse God and die! (Job 2:8-10) Job’s response was not to curse God but he chose not to sin. His thought was to  continue on the road that God had put in His path. His journey would be difficult but He would seek to find God in each circumstance along the way.

During a time in Israels processing of God’s love Habakkuk was a prophet of good standing. A true voice of God in the time when God was trying to look upon a nation of people who would continuously reject Him. Habakkuk wanted revival to break forth in the land where God’s people were dwelling. He was deliberately praising and praying that God would hear and turn from wrath and remember mercy. He ends this prayer committing to deliberately praising God no mater what the situation. If the oil runs out, the cattle die, there is no grain, yet will I rejoice he states. (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Rejoicing in the salvation of the Lord and the relation that this brings. A relation of truth and trust along with care and compassion.

Paul in his journey with the Lord spoke of the many situations that he came upon and the intense life he led as an apostle. (2 Corinthians 11:24-26) But he wrote a statement that came from the heart of a person who new how important it was to deliberately praise. “Rejoice always, again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Keep praising the God that has offered and made possible, salvation through Jesus Christ! There are numerous instances when praise is joined corporately in church services or programmed events. This is not the deliberate praise that Paul is speaking of nor is it Job’s language of praise. The instances of praise spoken of by them and others is when praise seems to be the least appropriate thing to do! Actually, complaining and becoming embittered about the situation seems to be more natural and easier to comply with. Not so, with the Lord in your heart! Habakkuk holds the attitude of praise when the going bad gets worse and the only thing now to do is sit and give up! Not so, with Habakkuk and others of like heart! It is time to deliberately praise and be awed by the wonders of God and His great love. Job’s wife was one who just did not want to praise God ever again and decided to bring Job into that horrible atmosphere. Not so, with Job it was trust God and praise! Turning to the place of praise will bring about an apparent solution in your heart. That solution is to wait upon the Lord and see what He will do! (Isaiah 40:31)

He has the plan, purpose and power. You have the choice to deliberately praise Him!

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.