Despite my feeling

Oh my, have I been a bad blogger lately! Life has gotten so busy that I just haven’t taken the time to jot down my thoughts on the second half of our book. I had better get going because you girls know me, I’m already reading both of the books for Sept and Oct.! Oh my!

I will have to say that so far Lysa’s book is still my favorite. Her insight and wisdom of God’s word inspires me. Part 4 is about becoming more than a good Bible Study girl in my struggles. If you’re like me, you have your own mountain of struggles. And like Lysa, my “ugly” comes out when I get stressed. How about you? I loved this chapter because it gave me a practical way to deal with my emotions when I am overwhelmed. The reality is that stress and problems will be part of our everyday lives. Like Lysa says, “Since days like this are a reality, what’s a girl to do? Especially a girl on a quest to live out the realities of Jesus in the midst of everyday life.” (page 122)

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

These verses hold the key to getting through the “ugly” times. Praise the Lord! Now I know what I used to think when people would tell me this. How are you supposed to act all happy and joyous and praise God when you have a problem in your life that is causing you to feel sad or upset? I struggled with that question for a long time. I think it is because my definition of praising God was skewed. I like what Lysa says, “All I have to do to sense His presence is to acknowledge His presence, ask for His help, and make the choice to praise Him despite my feelings.” (page 125) Despite my feeling… that was my key. I thought praising God was something you do when you’re happy or grateful, not sad or distraught. But praising God unlocks the His character in the ugliest of situations. “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 God inhabits our praises. He becomes active when we come to Him with praise when our hearts are confused, hurting or upset about a situation. I loved the examples Lysa gave on page 126. These really helped me to see what praising God in the hard times looks like.
Mandisa and Amy Grant have songs that talk about this. Amy’s “Better than an Hallelujah” is on the radio so hopefully you have heard it. Mandisa’s “Broken Hallelujah” is another one that talks of giving God praise in tough times.
Well, I’m on a roll again and the post is a testament to that! So I better close this one out before it becomes a book!

Thanks for reading!  Please leave your comments on what you think about praise God in tough times. If you have an example I would love to hear it.