Praise Him When You Don't Feel Like It...

Okay, so we all know the story of Paul and Silas and how they were thrown into prison for preaching the Gospel. How they were severely beaten and then chained to the walls in the dark cold prison. It pains me to think of all the bruises and cuts and blood and all the pain they suffered, all for trying to reach and teach the lost. Yet, the Bible tells us that that night, they started singing songs of Praise to God, despite the great pain they were in. As they sang those songs of praise, a great earthquake shook the prison and the chains and doors were opened and there was every opportunity for them and all of the other prisoners to run, but they didn't. The guard was about to commit suicide because he knew if the prisoners were gone he had to die anyway, but when he heard the shout that everyone was still there, he removed his sword and ultimately he and his family and many others came to know the Lord that day.

I have always believed that God loves to hear His Name lifted up, and the more we lift His Name, the more He is going to bless us for it. That night, Paul and Silas had every reason to wallow in pity, to sit back and have the "Why Me" syndrome that I am so guilty of having, but they chose to sing praise to the God that they KNEW could free them from their chains and set others free from their spiritual captivity.

As a result of their obedience to die to self and live as Christ, there are people in Heaven that would not have otherwise been. I find this story amazing. I find such hope in knowing that if I lift His Name, whether I feel like it or not, He is going to bless me for it. May not be in they way I thought He should, or in a way that I want Him to, but His Ways are so much greater than mine and I have to hold onto the fact that He has the greater plan.

My Abba, I am so tired of myself. I am so tired of the wallowing in pity because my life is not what I thought it would be. Father, You always have the greater plan, yet I choose to try to control my destiny on my own. Life is hard, Father. But, You made the Ultimate Sacrifice. You chose to send Jesus to die for me and everyone that would call out His Name and accept Him. Lord, help me to shine Your Light in this dark and desolate world. Help me to Praise You, even when I do not feel like it, Lord. Help me to die to myself and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord so that everyone knows that through You, and because of You, we have Hope and that nothing on Earth compares to the greatness of knowing You! Lord, I am so weak, but You are so strong. Your Name is a Strong and Mighty Tower. Your Name is a Shelter Like No Other. Thank You for Your Blessings and help me to share Your Love with others. In Your Sweet Name I pray...