Praising God in Difficult Times

Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 34:1-3 – “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

Introduction:

Good morning, church. I want to talk to you today about a powerful act of faith—praising God during the most difficult times in our lives. It’s easy to praise God when everything is going well, when our prayers are answered the way we want, and when life is smooth. But how do we respond when the storm clouds gather, when the weight of the world presses down, and when we don’t have the answers we long for?

The Bible gives us a clear call: to bless the Lord at all times—especially during the hard times. Praising God in difficulty isn’t just an act of worship; it’s an act of faith. It’s choosing to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when we can’t see the way forward. Today, we’ll explore why it is so important to praise God during difficult times and how doing so draws us closer to Him.

1. Praising God Affirms Our Faith

In times of struggle, we are often tempted to doubt God’s goodness or even question His existence. But when we praise God despite the pain, we are affirming that He is in control, that He is sovereign, and that He is worthy of our trust. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, shares that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. It’s in our brokenness that we experience His strength.

Praising God during trials is an act of faith because it says, “I may not understand this, but I know You are good, and I trust that You are with me.” Just as Job did when he said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job didn’t have the answers, but he continued to praise. His faith was unshaken because his trust was in God’s character, not in his circumstances.

2. Praise Brings Strength and Peace

In the midst of hardship, praise isn’t just a declaration of trust; it’s a channel for peace and strength. The Psalmist tells us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). When we praise God, even in tears, we open ourselves to His presence. Praise invites the peace of God that surpasses understanding.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul encourages us, saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we choose to praise God in the midst of trouble, He gives us peace that holds us together, even when the world around us is falling apart.

3. Praise Shifts Our Focus from the Problem to God’s Power

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to fixate on the problem. But praise shifts our focus from the problem to the power, grace, and promises of God. We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can lift our eyes to the One who can. As Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Praise helps us remember that God is bigger than any issue we face. It reminds us that He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Almighty. Our problems may seem huge, but God’s power is greater still. When we praise, we magnify His greatness, shifting our perspective from what we don’t have to what He can do.

4. Gratitude in All Circumstances

Praise in difficult times also cultivates a heart of gratitude. We may not be thankful for the pain itself, but we can be thankful for the lessons it teaches us and the ways God is using it to shape us. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude, even in hardship, helps us grow spiritually. It reminds us that God is working in ways we cannot yet see. By choosing to be thankful, we align our hearts with His will and gain a deeper understanding of His faithfulness. Praise becomes an act of worship that focuses on what we have—His presence, His promises, His faithfulness—rather than what we lack.

5. Praise Builds Spiritual Resilience

Difficult times have a way of testing our faith, but when we praise God, we tap into a spiritual resource that strengthens our souls. Praise draws us nearer to God, and in His presence, we find the strength to endure. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Spiritual resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging our weakness and allowing God’s strength to fill the gap. The more we praise, the more we rely on God to carry us through. We discover a deep, inner fortitude that isn’t based on our own ability but on His.

6. Praise Gives Us Hope for the Future

Finally, praising God in hard times gives us hope. When we praise, we remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness in the past and trust that He will remain faithful in the future. In Romans 8:28, Paul assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When we praise, we declare that we believe God is working, even when we don’t see the full picture. We trust that the difficulties we face are not the end of the story but a chapter in a greater narrative where God’s good purposes will prevail. Praise becomes an act of declaration, proclaiming that God is with us now and will be with us through to the end.

Conclusion:

Praising God in difficult times isn’t easy, but it is essential. It’s an act of trust, a decision to lean not on our own understanding but to submit to God’s will. Praise affirms our faith, brings peace and strength, shifts our focus to God’s greatness, fosters gratitude, builds resilience, and gives us hope.

So, church, when the storms of life come—and they will—remember that you are not alone. Praise God. Trust in His goodness, His faithfulness, and His ability to bring good out of bad situations. Choose to praise, and in doing so, you will experience His presence and His power in ways that will carry you through.

Let us remember the words of the psalmist: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1). May our hearts, even in the most difficult seasons, be filled with His praise, knowing that He is with us, and He is enough.

Amen.