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Unhindered Praise

11/16/2014

18 Comments

 
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Today is Sunday, and the worship service at church this morning was great!  Even amidst the glitches and craziness I deal with every Sunday morning as the worship leader and sound/video supervisor, I still managed to have a wonderful worship experience.  I had a few extra minutes of freedom when the service was all done.  Usually, I'm trying to keep track of my 2-year-old and grab up all my stuff before we head out to the parking lot.  But today, since he was home, sick with his daddy, I was a bit more leisurely.  I got in the car, cranked up my praise music, and continued to worship on my way home.  The Holy Spirit flowed through that car......as a drove, I looked up at the majestic view that I am spoiled to see each and every day.  Living in Colorado is very, very easy on the eyes!  I drove, I sang, I reflected, I smiled......I was basking in the glory and joy of the Lord.......and then suddenly......my mind was pulled in another direction.

In an instant, my head was flooded with thoughts of those who were sick....persecuted.....being threatened, beaten, and killed.  Those whose countries were being ripped apart by war, those who had seen more gore and horror than many of us will ever experience, and those who had experienced deep and profound loss.  My heart ached for them......and then I asked myself a question....

"Could I still bring myself to the place of basking in the glory and joy of the Lord if I were in a situation like that?" 

Whoa.  I'd even shocked my myself in asking such a forward question.

I spent some time thinking about this......was I on a high because I was feeling good, or because I was acknowledging the goodness of God?  Could I still witness to his goodness if my life were......not so good?  If my life were different....if I were being persecuted, or I was in constant pain......could I still smile?  Could I still worship?  Could I still bask in that inexpressible joy?  Would I?  Oh man....I surely hope so!  I hope I never find myself in any of those situations, but I would like to think that if I did......even in the midst of pain and suffering and injustice and fear (especially those things), that I would cling all the more closely to my Savior......and that my situation, no matter how dire or bleak would not hinder my praise or my ability - no - my desire...... to acknowledge my God.

Situations and circumstances change.....sometimes quickly, sometimes not.  But God....and all his attributes, are unchanging.  I pray that I will always choose to bask in his glory, no matter which circumstances I face, because my praise isn't circumstance-based.....it's God-based..... and that's a base that never falters.

Father....in all the earth or in heaven above....there is no one like you.  You are sovereign in all senses of the word.  How majestic and wonderful you are!  You are worthy of all my praise, Lord.  May I ever worship and adore you.....
in the sunshine, and in the storm.......
on the triumphant, shining mountaintop, and in the lonesome, dark valley......
in thriving, and in suffering.....
in good health, and in lasting sickness......
in displays of righteousness, and in ordeals of injustice.......
in times of plenty, and in times of need......
in climactic joy, and in deep sorrow. 
In ALL things, Lord Jesus, may I always focus on you and not allow my circumstance to cloud the eyes of my heart.  May I always remember that you are the source of my joy, and the hope of my future.  I know that you love me, and that you want the best for me, and that, no matter what I face, you will work all things in my favor.  I know that I am victorious in you, Lord.  And in knowing and holding fast to these truths, may my praise forever be..... unhindered.  Amen.
18 Comments
Kimani Derbigny
11/16/2014 11:04:21

A sobering thought, but in Jesus, we can have joy no matter the circumstance. Though it may not always be pleasant, all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord!

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Dara
11/16/2014 12:03:08

Amen to that, bro! Thanks for reading and commenting - love you!

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Dona Ramsey
11/16/2014 12:20:07

maybe all continue to grow in strength and faith in knowing the one that we believe in.

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Deb Haws
11/16/2014 12:35:52

How uplifting and sobering both .

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Dara
11/17/2014 18:23:23

Thanks for visiting, Deb!!!

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Darlene Craig Derbigny
11/16/2014 14:19:16

love you

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Helen link
11/17/2014 01:59:57

Exactly!!!!!! My heart feels this same tug too often. And though we're blessed to live in freedom here in this great land, only God knows what wait for us around the bend. History changes radically all the time. Those of us who call ourselves Christians need to examine why we call ourselves His so that we CAN worship through times of unbelievable circumstances. Does our heart really belong to Him - or do we merely associate ourselves with a Christian crowd because we go to church?
Thank you for your bold words, Dara! Many blessings to you and yours! ~Helen!

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Mary link
11/17/2014 03:08:05

Amen, sister. We all must learn to stand on His Word and promises not matter what situation we may find ourselves within. He is with us at all times no matter how things look in the natural.

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Ellen
11/17/2014 09:38:12

Beautifully put. I some times feel guilty for being on the HIGH of his Grace!! I am then reminded HE is still in control and I, just his child can be joyful for what I am blessed with. It is a crazy world we live in and the dark one is around every dark alley. Praise be to God for HE IS STILL IN CONTROLL. Is it not just so wonderful that we are able to come to him in prayer and his will be done?!

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Stephanie link
11/17/2014 23:46:49

Knowing He is in control is what keeps me going some days. What a beautiful post.

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Carolyn
11/18/2014 01:12:46

Dara,
Today I needed to be reminded. My praise is not circumstance-based. I praise Him because He is God alone!
Love,
C

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Jody Thomae link
11/18/2014 07:53:38

As a fellow worship leader I am SO VERY appreciative of what you write. It is very good wisdom for all of God's children.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Blessings of ARTistry, CREATivity & BEaUty, Jody

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Joy link
11/18/2014 10:23:53

I've thought about this often. Could I praise Him in every circumstance? I think though, that if we are to experience said circumstances, that we will have the ability to stand in them, because He will give us that ability. Now I don't think it would be easy, but still, He will make us able. I just hope I choose to chase Him in those moments!

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Samantha link
11/18/2014 15:07:40

Good thoughts & reflections.. I've recently been learning about the sacrifice of praise, and how sometimes it costs us something to praise God. But what pleasure it brings to Him when we do (:

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Janet link
11/18/2014 18:47:23

What a beautiful insight. I think God often uses the spontaneous what-if questions to build us up as we think them through. Thank you!

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Amy Hagerup link
11/20/2014 14:19:18

Dara, So very powerful. In our Wednesday night service, we heard the story of Adoniram Judson. It is amazing all he went through and yet remained faithful to the Lord. I want to be like that too.

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Lynn Mosher link
11/21/2014 13:29:09

Oh, yes, Dara! I so agree. I learned years ago to praise and thank the Lord no matter what, in and for all things. I remind myself, when I think I'm about to complain, that someone probably has it worse than I do. Wonderful post! Blessings to you!

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April Boyer link
11/22/2014 11:29:58

Beautifully expressed! Our creative God created in us beautiful ways to express praise for him.

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