Topic: Praise in Troubled Times [Joyce Meyer Devotional 14 February 2021]
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Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times . . .— Psalm 62:8 (AMPC)
It’s important that we’re intentional to thank, praise, and love God both in troubled times and in good times—it might be even more important to do it then. Anyone can be thankful and joyful when things are going their way because they have lots of good emotions to support them, but when times are tough, we have to bypass how we feel and praise God in spirit.
Once after I’d finished three teaching sessions at a church, the next day I woke up with the stomach flu—not what I had planned, that’s for sure! I decided to give God extra praise and thanksgiving and tell Him I loved Him even more than usual that day, even thanking Him out loud at different times. I wasn’t grateful for the stomach flu, but I had plenty to be grateful for in the midst of it.
One benefit was that I stayed in bed all day, and that is something I almost never do! The rest was probably good for me. It also stirred up compassion in me for other people who are sick, including a few people I knew who were currently taking chemotherapy. I feel that if we can continue to praise God when our circumstances aren’t good, we are giving Him the highest kind of praise.
No matter what’s going on in your life, I want to encourage you to praise God, be thankful, and shower words of love and affection on Him. It will bring you closer to Him, and strengthen you as you go through the difficulty.
Prayer Starter: Father, I want to be more intentional to bless You at all times, both good and bad. Help me remember that I don’t have to feel like being grateful to give thanks! Thank You for always being present with me, no matter what I’m going through. In Jesus’ name, amen.