But God, I Don't Feel Like Praising!

In October , it had been six months since my husband found out he was being laid off.  Six months of looking, sending out resumes, and interviews and still nothing secured.   Thankfully, he was given a severance package that went through the end of October.   But now it was the third week in October and still nothing was certain. 

Fear began to grip my heart.  I thought to myself, “God knows we have three kids in private school.  He knows we have a mortgage.  God knows all of our needs.  I know He is always faithful and always on time.”  But, I have to admit I thought He was cutting it awfully close this time.  I knew His Word said to be anxious for nothing and for all six months, I had trusted Him to come through and was filled with faith.  However, fear began to creep in as the days grew closer.

When I went to church that crisp October morning, I didn’t feel like singing and I didn’t feel like praising.  Darkness loomed over me.  I just wanted to cry and bury myself in pity.  However, as the music started, I felt a tug at my heart.  “Offer a sacrifice of praise.”

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, this is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15

As I sang not only with my lips, but with my heart giving praise to God for all He has done and all His goodness and glory, a strange phenomenon occurred—the darkness began to disappear, my heart became lighter and joy began to fill me.

 

“And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”  2 Chronicles 20:22

Praising pushes back the darkness and allows God to move against the enemy on our behalf.

 

After offering up my sacrifice of praise, I went down to the alter for prayer.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God and the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

During prayer, I immediately felt at peace and a knowing that God was taking care of everything concerning me.  That week, my husband was presented an offer.  His severance ended October 31 and his contract was finalized November 1 and he started November 4^th.  Praise be to God!

But, I wonder…What if I hadn’t offered up the sacrifice of praise?  What if I had continued instead to wallow in self-pity and given myself over to fear?  What if I had chosen not to focus on the Lord’s  goodness and faithfulness that morning?  What if the darkness had not been pushed back by praise? What if I would have allowed worry to overshadow my worship?

I don’t have all the answers to those questions, but I do know that something happens in the spiritual realm when we choose to worship even when our flesh wants to wallow.  

When we praise in the midst of trials, we are declaring our trust and faith in God.  Trust and worship go hand in hand.  I don't know what you have been facing.  It may seem insurmountable, but it is nothing compared to the greatness of our God.  Trust Him.  Praise Him.  The darkness will lift, joy will enter and He will move mountains for you.  

Power Verses:  

Isaiah 61:3a "To grant to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit."   

2 Samuel 22:29-31 "For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.  As for God, His way is perfect.  The word of the Lord is proven.  He is a shield to all who trust in Him." 

Gifts

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."  James 1:7

Today just happens to be my birthday.  : )  As we all know, it is customary for one to receive gifts for a birthday.  I have gotten many wonderful gifts in my life for my birthday and some...umm...not so much.  

The worst gift I can remember was on my 25th birthday when I received a weed eater and an extension cord -- (Can anyone say "hello adulthood!"?)  Not necessarily an ideal birthday gift for a girlie girl. 

The best birthday gift ever was the gift of my son, Luke, who was born 6 days before my 31st birthday.

I love getting gifts.  And God is the best gift giver!  Last night I was making a list of some the gifts the Lord has given me lately.  I couldn't even list them all.  I am so thankful for all the blessings the Lord has given us.  However, since I cannot possibly list all of them, I will only list a few here today to give praise unto Him  (Hebrews 13:15, Psalms 71:8).  (not listed in any particular order) 

Gift #1:  

My husband (who is also a huge gift!)  took me out for a VERY NICE birthday dinner last Saturday at a local jazz club/steak house with VIP reserved seating on the patio with live Jazz music playing while we enjoyed a wonderful meal.  

Gift #2:  

A friend is letting me drive her convertible all week and I LOVE IT!!!  Thank you Kristi!!  


Gift #3:  An opportunity to write for and serve on the Deeper Still Ministry    Team.

Gift #4:  The blessing of serving as a small group facebook leader for Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies with Melissa Taylor.

Gift #5:   

   The gift of three beautiful and wonderful children...Joe, Sarah and Luke.  

Gift #6:  

I am thankful for 15 years with the man I love and the gift of going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico next week for our 15th year anniversary. 

  Gift # 7:  The gift of a dream being fulfilled of swimming with dolphins while in Mexico!!  My birthday present this year from my awesome husband!! 

God is sooo good!!  His gifts are plentiful and abundant!  And of course, as great as all these gifts and blessings are, the gift of His son, Jesus, is better than them all.  So thankful for Jesus!

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God"  Ephesians 2:8

What are you thankful for today? 

If You Teach it, You Will be Tested

With anticipation oozing from every inch of me, we packed our suitcases and headed south for Spring Break to the Sunshine State-Florida!

Our family had never taken a "beach" vacation.  Normally we head straight to Mickeyville and dose ourselves with 7 days of Disney Magic.  However, this time we purchased a marketing package that included 3 nights in a "two bedroom condo on the beach" and 4 nights in Orlando. 

It was a great deal and it was in writing that we would be in a "condo on the beach". 

The Sunshine State was not so sunny when we arrived--apparently an omen of what was coming.  We arrived at the resort bouncing with excitement.  The skies were clearing now and we were eager to check in, get swimsuits on and head down to the beach!

We went to the check-in counter.  The lady behind the counter asked for our name.  A frown developed on her face as she informed us that the resort was full and they did not have a room for us.  They had overbooked it.

Immediately, I knew what was going on.  This was a test.  

(Before proceeding, I feel compelled to affirm that I know there are struggles in life much more disappointing than not getting to stay at the beach.  You may be going through a very difficult situation today. I understand other trials tower in comparison.  Please know, my hope and prayer is for you to find application to your own struggles through this trivial example of a trial.)

God, what are you up to? Oh Lord, help me pass this.  You know how much I LOVE the beach. 

We were disappointed, but tried to maintain a positive mindset.  After all, mistakes happen, right? The lady behind the counter told us she contacted her manager and he had arranged two adjoining hotel rooms at the Sleep Inn for us down the road by the interstate (our family doesn't fit into one hotel room).

In case you don't know, I am a self-confessed hotel snob.  Yes, sadly it is true.  I like to stay at nice places. Don't misuderstand, Sleep Inn is a fine hotel, it just isn't where I would normally choose to stay.  Also, I am of the opinion that when going to the beach, it is best to stay on the beach. 

Does anything compare to the waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the sea gulls calling in the morning air?  Or opening up the glass sliding picturesque doors and walking into a masterpiece of God's creation while feeling a soft ocean breeze?

This was suppose to be our view.  Awww...breathtaking!


Instead, this was our view...

On the bright side, the cars zooming past on the interstate nearly simulated the sound of ocean waves and we did have a pool view with palm trees.  That is at least something.  The Sleep Inn also does have a lovely continental breakfast in the morning complete with a waffle maker (that sometimes works). 

Back to our test....

At first I did fairly well with the trial. I maintained a positive attitude while focusing on the lovely free continental breakfast.  I looked for what we could be thankful for in this situation.  We had enjoyed a wonderful day at the beach.  The weather, which had looked ominous at one point, cleared up.  God blessed us with warm sunshine to enjoy the waves and sandy beaches. 
That night, after tucking in our tuckered out kiddos, I headed down to the treadmill at the Sleep Inn.  As I went down steps, the smoky aroma of the hallway reminded me of my whereabouts and my heart began to sink.  Again, I began to ask, "Why God?  Why is this happening?  We were suppose to be at a beautiful resort on the beach?" 

As my feet pounded the treadmill, frustration mounted and disappointment escalated.  I cried out to God. "Why are we here? This isn't right.  How could this happen? We haven't been to the beach as a family in five years and we haven't ever had a beach vacation. What is going on here?"  

His response made me laugh out loud.  He responded, 

"Contentment is not a destination, it is a decision." 

 
This was a lesson I had taught in a previous post entitled "I Have Learned..."  You can click on it to read it.  Basically, I taught that through some life trials, I had learned that contentment is not a destination, it is a decision based on Philippians 4:11-13

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." 

I laughed because I knew He was right.  Was I only going to be content if I was at my desired destination-- the resort on the beach?  Or was I going to be content at the Sleep Inn by the interstate?  It was my decision.  I repented and decided "Yes, I will be content at the Sleep Inn."

It turned out after some further investigation that the people we were dealing with at the resort and the marketing package lied to us.  So, here is another test.  How are we going to react to this mistreatment?  God did not cause the bad people to lie to us, but He did divinely intervene to use this as a trial to see how we would respond.  He knew this would happen.  It did not surprise Him.  Nothing surprises Him. 

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  James 1:2-4

Are we really suppose to count it all JOY when we fall into various trials?  It isn't that we are to be glad about the trials, but rather rejoice about the development of our character that will come as a result of the trial.  Without trials, there is no growth. 

As hard as it was for me to swallow, it was more important for God to continue to develop me and mold me so that I may one day be complete and lacking nothing than for me to have a beach view.  

 

As far as the test goes, I am not 100 percent sure I passed. I was quite angry at the bad people who lied to us and let one of the salespersons know it.  I was firm, but I don't think I was disrespectful to her in any way.  Like I said, I am not sure. 

I do know this though.  This was a wonderful trip to the beach.  Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time together.  I felt the Lord's presence with us.  He knows we were wronged and I know He will repay.  We focused on the positives and the blessings we had.  It was one of the best vacations!!  Yes, even with the Sleep Inn by the interstate!  Our son, Joe, even said he preferred the Sleep Inn over the resort (I think it must have been the continental breakfasts). {smile}

Plugged in and Praising

We are so blessed, we have so many gifts.  Do praise and thankfulness fill our lips?  Or do we complain about the mundane?

At our home, we have a list of house rules.

 Let's have a look at #3. 

The Amplified bible says it this way:   Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining and questioning and doubting, that you may show yourselves to be blameless, innocent, uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights in the dark world.  Phil 2:14-15


This post today, however, is not about one of our kids breaking the rule.  I broke the rule.
Oh Lord, forgive me, help me.

When I broke the rule, none of my privileges were taken away (which is what happens when our kids break a rule), but if it were to continue, I know the Lord would have to deal with me.  I probably would have gotten a little spank'n so to speak.  Gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit is where it starts.  Complaining can be habit forming if not dealt with and stopped.  I realize this and the fear of the Lord has me in arms.  It is a good fear, a reverence for the Lord, not negative.

The Lord's correction is never to condemn but to curve.  To curve us to be more like Christ.  To curve us to the center of His will and what is best for us. 

The last part of the verse says that when we do things with the right attitude and a thankful heart, that we will be "Seen as bright lights in the dark world."  Oh, how my heart desires to be seen as a bright light.

However, I know there are times when my light is flickering, struggling to shine.  Light can only be bright if completely plugged into the Power Source.  Complaining must be a indication that we have a faulty connection somewhere.  When we complain, our light is dimmed. To complain is a step out of the spirit and into the flesh. Oh, how we need to stay plugged in, and keep our connection to the Lord strong. 

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Gal 5:22

Hmmm. I don't see "complaining" in the list.  No wonder it implies in the Phillipians 2 that we won't be bright lights when we are complaining, we are not walking according to the Spirit.

Why is a healthy fear of the Lord vital?  Why do we need to stand against complaining?

 1. When we complain, we are complaining against God, proclaiming that we don't trust Him.  (Go to Exodus to see how that worked out for the Isrealites, not good) 

2.  We are forgetting all the blessings He has given us, and focusing on the negative.  (opposite of Phil 4:8)

3.  We are expressing unbelief in His ability to fix the situation (unbelief is a big sin--ouch!).

4.  We are allowing the enemy to get a foothold into our life (dangerous).

5.  We let our light go dim.

What have we to complain about when the God of the Universe is on our side?  He is our Power Source. Our Supply. Our Provision. Our Everything.  His Grace is enough. When we are weak, He is strong. 

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.  2 Cor 12:9 (love this verse....O, how much His grace covers)


I am ministering to myself right now.  The Holy Spirit's conviction is all over me.  Before a couple weeks ago, I saw my work situation as hard.   Perspective is an eye opener.  Tragedy struck at a heart of a friend, a dear sister in Christ.  Everything that seemed big seems so small now. We serve a BIG GOD, He is able to handle the big and the small.

I now have the amplified version of the rule #3 verse on a post-it note on my work binder as a constant reminder.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.  
Oh, Magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.  Psalms 34:1-3

Let's stay plugged in and praising, and not let our light be dimmed by complaining.  Let us magnify the Lord with praising, not diminish our witness by complaining. 

Oh Father, I have been so wrong.  Please forgive me.  You have given me so much, thank you for all the blessings you have given me.  Forgive me for focusing on what is so small, and making it bigger in my mind.  Forgive my unbelief.  I know You will help me with anything and that Your grace is sufficient for me.  Forgive me for ways I have let a complaining attitude block my light to the world.  I pray you would help me shine, that Jesus would shine in me.  I pray for a positive mental attitude in all situations and that I would be a light in a dark world.  I pray to see the best in every situation and in every person.  I pray that Your peace would rule in my heart and that your Word would give me wisdom, that I would sing praises unto You with grace in my heart, and that whatever I do, that I would do it all as unto You.   Help me see through your eyes.  In Jesus' Holy Name.