One of my favorite worship songs today is titled “Praise.” I love listening to it and singing along with it. Look at some of the lyrics, “I’ll praise when I feel it, I’ll praise when I don’t. I’ll praise when I’m sure, I will praise when I’m doubting. As long as I’m breathing, I’ve got a reason to praise the Lord, oh my soul…”
I love the upbeat tempo, the positive message, and the commitment it portrays, but I have noticed that my attitude often doesn’t match what I sing. Here is my problem: I’m not very good at praising when I don’t feel it. I’m not good at praising when I have doubts. Sure enough, I’m still breathing, but I lose my focus to “praise the Lord oh my soul!!” Do you ever wrestle with the same thing?
The book of Philippians is one of my favorite New Testament books. Paul is in prison and he writes these things:
“And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.” Philippians 1:14
“And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.” Philippians 1:18b-19
“But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.” Philippians 2:17
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Philippians 4:4-5
Paul’s attitude while being chained in a prison cell for being a vocal Christ follower amazes me. He models to us to “always” rejoice in the Lord! He trusts that God is in charge of the big picture and he knows even if he ultimately is killed for his faith in Jesus - rejoice for that means deliverance! My daily challenges pale in comparison to what Paul faced, yet he was full of joy no matter what his circumstances were.
Let’s be like Paul! Let’s praise when we feel it, AND praise when we don’t! Praise the Lord oh my soul!!!
Pastor Don Erehart
