Praising in difficult times is an act of faith that shifts our focus from the problems we face to God’s sovereignty and goodness. It acknowledges that, despite our struggles, God is still worthy of honour and trust Here are some key reasons why praise is essential during hardship:
First, it shifts focus.
Praising God redirects our attention from the problem to the problem solver. Rather than being consumed by our challenges, Praise helps us lift our eyes to God’s greater power and His eternal promises. It shifts the mindset from fear and anxiety to trust and hope.
Second, it strengthens faith.
Praise is a way of recalling God’s past faithfulness. By remembering how God has delivered and sustained us in the past, we strengthen our faith to trust that His record is perfect, and His promises are unfailing.
Third, it invites God’s presence.
Psalm 22:3 reminds us of bountiful praise and worship. Praise creates an atmosphere where God’s presence can dwell, especially in difficult times. His presence brings comfort, strength, and divine intervention.
Fourth, it brings peace and praise
MES nurtures a heart of gratitude, even when circumstances are challenging According to Philippians 4:6-7, when we present our requests to God with thanksgiving His peace guards our hearts and minds. Even if the external situation doesn’t change immediately, Praise fills our hearts with peace and joy that transcends our understanding.
Fifth, it defeats the energy.
Praise is a powerful weapon against spiritual warfare in 2 Chronicles 20 when King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced overwhelming enemies. They praised God, and He set ambushes against their foes, leading to victory (2 Chronicles 20:22). Praise confounds the enemy because it shifts the battle to God’s hands, who fights on our behalf.
Sixth, it breaks chains, brings deliverance and praise strongholds, and leads to freedom.
In Acts 16:25-26, we can remember Paul and Silas while they were imprisoned, they began to pray and sing hymns to God. When we praise God in our darkest moments, He can bring Deliverance in ways we never imagined.
Seventh, it demonstrates faith in God’s sovereignty.
Praising God, especially when things are hard, declares that God is still in control. Despite the impending disaster, Habakkuk praised God for His sovereignty and faithfulness. Yet will rejoice in the Lord’ (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, Praise your trust in God’s plan and higher purpose.
Eight, it renews our strength.
Praise brings spiritual and emotional renewal. Isaiah 40:31 talks about hope in the Lord that will renew their strength. Praise uplifts our spirit and gives us the endurance to press on.
Ninth, it magnifies God, not the problem.
Praise enlarges our vision of God. Psalm 34:1-3 encourages us to “magnify the Lord” and exalt His name together. When we praise God, we make Him more prominent in our eyes and hearts, allowing His greatness to overshadow our problems. It reminds us that God is more significant than any trial we face.
Tenth, it brings joy in sorrow, Praise turns mourning into joy.
In Isaiah 61:3, God promised that would give “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. When we praise God, even in sorrowful times, we exchange the heaviness of our trials for His joy. It becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy doesn’t always change the circumstance immediately, but it lifts our spirit to endure.
Eleventh, it testifies to others.
Praising God in its times becomes a testimony of His goodness to others. In Psalm 40:1-3, the Psalmist talks about how God exalted and lifted him out of nothing and put a new song of Praise in his mouth.
Twelfth, it aligns us with God’s will.
Praise is an act of submission to God’s will, no matter the situation. I Thessalonians 5:18 urges believers to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. “When we praise God despite our hardships, we align ourselves with His divine plan, trusting that He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Invitation to Joyful Worship
Psalm 100 is one of the many Psalms that emphasise the importance of praising God. It is specifically titled ‘A Hymn of Praise’. The psalmist started with a command to all the earth to shout for joy necessitated by the understanding that the God of Israel is the true and living God.
According to including the children of Israel; thus, they are His people and flock. Essentially, the people of Israel Mount Zion, God made a covenant with Israel and promised to be their God (Deuteronomy 7:1-11;
David’s Invitation to all the nations to shout for joy to the Lord, to worship Him with gladness and singing) are some essential elements of true and acceptable worship.
Whenever believers are conscious of God’s presence with us. We should also remember that we have been created and should motivate us to participate actively in worship that is pleasing and acceptable to God through gladness of heart and joyful singing.
Invitation to Thanksgiving and Praise
The invitation of King David to worship God is immediately followed by the invitation to give thanks and praise to Him. He gave reasons why thanksgiving and praise to the Lord is necessary. He said, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues throughout all generations.” (v.5).
The psalmist meant that because of the goodness, love and faithfulness of God towards His people, they are expected to respond by giving Him thanks and praise continually in the temple from generation to generation.
Nonetheless, it should be noted that the gates and courts described in verse 4 significantly represent the place where God’s presence dwells. Therefore, those who have been
God with praise and thanksgiving as living sacrifices unto Him (Romans 12:1). The call to praise and give thanks to God is based on three attributes of God, His goodness, enduring steadfast love, and faithfulness to all generations. These attributes should motivate us to sing His praises and give thanks to Him in an acceptable way.
Conclusion
The economic hardships faced by Nigerians in 2024 are a stark reflection of the broader challenges facing the nation. Removing fuel subsidies, rising inflation, the naira depreciation, and the escalating cost of living have created a perfect storm of financial distress for several Nigerians.
While the government has implemented some measures to alleviate the burden, such as palliative payments and transportation subsidies, these efforts still need to address the root causes of the crisis. As Nigeria navigates these turbulent economic waters, the need for long-term, sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.
But we can lean on His everlasting arms to navigate us through these challenges, and while we await the blessed hope, His praises will continually be in our hearts and lips.
