What do I do when I fall into a funk? When I’m stuck in self-pity and feeling discouraged? When I want to run away, to hide in my room? Only remedy: sing praise to my God!
My friend Loretta introduced me to the book PRISON TO PRAISE by Merlin Carothers many years ago, and it’s offered an answer to my prayer for help again and again. “God inhabits the praises of His people,” (Ps 22:3), and where the Good God is, the enemy flees!
Here I am once more, feeling lost and confused, and down in the dumps. Thank You Lord, for reminding me of the antidote! I’ll sing Your Praises, and thank You for this situation just as it is, trusting that You know all about it! Nothing is ever a surprise for You, and You have a plan to follow in every circumstance, to bring good from every adversity. (Rom 8:28) I need to listen to You first, and not to trust in the world’s advice!
I’m reminded of Mom’s response when things got too overwhelming in caring for Dad with his Alzheimer’s. She would go into the bathroom, shut the door, and sing the Doxolgy loud and clear! “Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him above Ye Heavenly Host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!” This would renew her inner strength, and give her the grace to carry on with whatever needed to be done, knowing she was not alone, but rather accompanied by the Good God Who had been faithful to her all her life, even as she had been a faithful Christian all her life!
How grateful I am for the foundation of Faith in which I was formed as a child! There was never any doubt that God was Real, He loved me, and He would be with me in whatever circumstance I found myself. He’s with me now, in every question, every challenge. I don’t need to spend time speculating on the “what ifs,” but rather make an act of faith, of hope, and do the next best thing. For me today, it’s been to sit down and write this, to remind myself of Truth, and allow the Lord to re-set my attitude. I’ll move from “poor me” to Praise God!
Thank You Lord, for reminding me of Truth when I come to You for help. Reminding me to praise You in all circumstances, for Your Word tells me that You inhabit our praises, and where You are, evil cannot endure! May I always come to You quickly, in haste like Mary, and not linger in desolation. Jesus, I trust in You!
Spiritual Sun Pennies 