In the midst of trials and challenges, it can be so easy to live by our emotions. We all have feelings … and sometimes they can get the better of us, plunging us into despair when someone causes us hurt, or during testing times and lonesome valleys, times when it seems everything is going against us. But what if feelings get in the way of our relationships with others and most of all with God, our loving Heavenly Father, the One to Whom we can turn in the midst of the battle, the One Who truly understands?  Thank God, there is something at our disposal which can lift us in trying times and draw us into His Presence ….. it’s called praise!   (I’ve written a poem on this – below 🙂). I’ve had to remind myself of this truth at times when things have happened that left me feeling I had every right to mope for however long! I’m sharing these few words to encourage you, just as I’ve had to encourage myself (and still do!!). It’s nice to read  in the Bible of how the psalmist David “encouraged himself in the Lord”!! (1 Samuel 30:6). Our God understands all things and ALWAYS, ALWAYS has a word for us. We can literally have His presence fill us, as the scripture says, through “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” (Ephesians 5:19). Oh there are battles on our journey, but how WONDERFUL is the promise we have in God’s word that “we are more than conquerors” through Christ. We may not be perfect and don’t always get it right, but “greater is He Who lives in (us) than He that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). He (Jesus) is ALWAYS right – so, once again, we have hope!

 VICTORY IN YOUR PRAISE

At just the time the storm is getting closer;
when the road seems dark and the journey’s far from over;
when all your friends have gone their separate ways,
know this – there’s victory in your praise!

At just the time you feel like giving up;
when you have had to drink the bitter cup.
He’s there with you throughout the nights and days.
Know this – there’s victory in your praise!

You may not feel like praising God right now.
Considering all, you may just wonder how.
Remember how Paul and Silas spent their days?
Behind those prison walls were songs of praise!

Just one step closer, praise will draw us near
to the Lord, Who heals our wounds and calms our fears.
As we exalt and lift Him up always,
He will draw near, for He lives in our praise.

—oOo—

 Copyright 2014  Christine V Mitchell
All Rights Reserved

Psalm 22:23; Acts 16:25-34; Romans 8:37
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I also share poems on my website:
http://www.expressionspoetry.com