Praising Him in the Midst

Psalm 108.1

All too often, I have trouble praising God in the midst of unpleasant situations. I’m full of praise when I see His work in my life, and I praise Him for the beauty He creates around me. But it’s those times of trials where I struggle.

Praise was my One Word for 2013. So, you’d think I’d have this praise thing worked out. But, I’m still working on it. I think I’ll always be working on it because it’s hard to put myself aside—how I feel and what I’m thinking—and start praising.

It takes a conscious effort to praise God at all times—especially times I don’t feel like it, when I’m angry or complaining…times when I’m overwhelmed by life…and times I’m starting to doubt that everything will work out.

I have to think about it and remind myself (or make myself) start praising Him. Sometimes it’s praise just for Who He is, and praise because I know in His time, He will act.

Praise because I know He’s at work, even when I can’t see it.

I like this verse from Psalm 108…

My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
Psalm 108:1 NLT

It reminds me that when I’m confident (full of conviction, certain; trustful) in God, I can praise Him first—before seeing Him act—because I know without a doubt He is with me. He sees me and hears me.

He knows what I’m going through at every given moment…because Jesus is walking along side me.

And for that I can praise Him…no matter what I’m going through.

3 Responses to Praising Him in the Midst
  1. Elizabeth Stewart
    May 17, 2014 | 12:23 am

    I needed this today, Laura!

  2. Dawn Paoletta (
    May 18, 2014 | 6:09 am

    Laura, praising Him in all circumstances is exactly what we all need to do but I agree it is challenging to actually do it. I myself have struggled to understand and put into practice the the idea of praising Him in all circumstances. I am starting to uinderstand that the sacrifice of praise in difficult circumstances is an offering that God accepts as pleasing. There truly is power in praising Him, as you say in those difficult circumstances. Such a great word for the year!

  3. Larri
    May 18, 2014 | 4:36 pm

    Great post, Laura! Praising in all situations comes easy for me, though it didn’t use to be that way. Learning to rely on Him, and accepting His will even when I don’t understand His plan was the key for me. I love how you’re learning to praise Him, too. Visiting from the Weekend Brew. Happy Sunday! 🙂