Friday, November 13, 2020

How Can I Settle My Troubled Soul?

 Friday, November 13, 2020 

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

How Can I Settle My Troubled Soul?
What do you do to make it through the really hard days? I have worshiped my way through some of the worst days of my life. Music has always been a source of healing and comfort in my life, as well as a joyful expression. I have found that even if I cry my heart out through every song, it brings healing and comfort to my soul. And the thing about Worship in the hard times - it’s a choice we make over defeat, a true sacrifice of praise when our heart is broken. A sacrifice that heals.

A sacrifice of praise may be the most intimate exchange we have with Him.

Some Days You Just Have to Sing!
We have been talking a lot about contentment and worshipping God is one way that we can get in tune with God. When our hearts are troubled, if we open our hearts and give Him praise and adoration for all He is and has done despite what we are going through, it is a confirmation to Him that we trust Him. Praise in the midst of pain does not take the pain away, but it certainly covers it with a healing balm. Sometimes putting on the worship music and singing at the top of our lungs at least drowns out the roar of the enemy in our heads. He does attack us when we are already down, and worshipping God repels anything he throws our way.

When we are feeling discontent, worshipping God and giving Him praise takes the focus off what is not and puts it right where it belongs – on an all sufficient God. It is saying to Him “Even though this feels really terrible right now, and my heart is broken, and I don’t know how I can go on or what is going to happen tomorrow, I know you are sovereign and in full control of my life.” Singing songs of worship to God reminds us of His promises, and His love for us. These reminders can give us renewed strength and bring peace to our troubled soul.

Our truest love for Him spills out in our praise. Created for a relationship with Him, praising Him fulfills our purpose and brings fulfillment and joy to our lives.  It brings peace and comfort in times of chaos and stills our minds and brings our focus to Him – right where it belongs. If His praises our continually on our lips, it will be very hard for discontentment to creep in. It is the minute we stop thanking Him and praising Him for His provisions and presence in our life that we instantly see what is not and become discontent. Praise invites Him into our lives and opens the way for Him to dwell close to us and us to dwell in Him. When we do this, we will find the peace and contentment in our hearts.

 

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
 the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15 ESV

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