Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

All people experience a wide variety of circumstances in life, some more pleasant than others. However, the most appropriate response to every one of those circumstances is to praise God. When the circumstances are pleasant, it’s easy to praise God, but the less pleasant they are, the harder it is. However, that shift doesn’t change the fundamental reasons for praising God. Those reasons are first of all that He is worthy of our praise. This Psalm goes on to talk about how God has created everything, and how His power is manifested in creation. That doesn’t change, no matter what we are going through in our lives. The second reason is that we need to praise Him to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto Him. This reason is why, the worse our circumstances are, the more we need to praise Him! That is certainly counter-intuitive, but it’s true nonetheless. I learned a song about 35 years ago that is essentially Isaiah 61:3 set to music, with a little poetic license: “Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; lift up your voice to God. Praise with the Spirit and with understanding; O magnify the Lord.” That song has helped me many, many times over the years, because pity parties benefit no one. When we fail to focus on God, troubles drag us down and pleasures lead us astray. When we do focus on God, we can be upright indeed, as this verse talks about.

As a pastor I am constantly dealing with other people’s problems, and at times it can be overwhelming. I need all the more to praise God, because only then can I keep things in perspective. Yesterday I dealt with two different individuals with very different circumstances but who both tend to focus on their immediate problems rather than on God who is eternally able. Frankly, there is the temptation to wash my hands of them both, but that would not be feeding the sheep, as Jesus famously told Peter to do after His resurrection. (John 21:15-17) I cannot carry their burdens on my own, (Galatians 6:2) but in Christ I can help them release their burdens to Him, and leading them to praise God is a big part of that.

Father, it’s been many years now since You told and showed me that praise and worship are powerful weapons in spiritual warfare. You’re directing me to speak on Spiritual Warfare Sunday, and I need to include this in that message. Thank You that You are always right on time! Guide me now as I prepare those notes, so that Your Word may slice through the layers of deception that have people bound and set them free indeed. May we be a people focused on You, in praise, worship, and obedience, so that Your will may be done in and through us for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!