The Gift of Praise

As we walk through this holiday season and find ourselves alone or in a hospital room, with no gifts to give or receive, or partaking of a very meager meal, how do we praise God in the midst of it?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

This year as we enter the holiday season, it may seem to occur at a particularly difficult time, when many people face situations that could warrant anything but gratitude. For some, it will mean no job, no bonus checks, no gifts, or even no special Christmas dinner. For others, it may be the first year they spend without their spouse or other loved ones.

We hope Christmas will be merry, but this isn’t always the case. Counselors have found that there are factors that tend to make the holidays stressful and not very happy:

• Reliving family problems or painful memories
• Expecting that you should feel happy
• Dealing with losses of any kind, or spending the holidays away from friends and loved ones
• Having unrealistic expectations, or fixing upon negatives that have occurred during the past year
• Dealing with changes in the family, such as divorce or death

Professor and pastoral counselor Dr. Ryan Fraser writes, “This special season of the year is often not only stressful for many, but it also serves as a painful reminder of personal heartaches and losses. Feelings of sadness and despair can easily settle in.”

In addition to this and the usual anxiety of holiday expectations, the past few years have been some of the toughest many have experienced in a long time—fear, unemployment, debt, bankruptcy, broken hearts, life-threatening illnesses, and seemingly no hope for the future. Believers can and will face the same trials and grief as non-believers. The difference lies in how we understand and respond to our challenges.

When the apostle Paul encourages us to give thanks in all things, is that just a nice piece of Bible talk? And if he means it literally, how is it possible to do such a thing?

I’m always uplifted by reading about Paul’s life and experiences and knowing that he was earnest about the “all things” part. Paul lost more than most people do in a lifetime. His was an extended season of loss. But just trace his history and see that even though he was left with virtually nothing of this world’s goods, he remained joy-filled, praising God to the end.

So what about us?

As we walk through this holiday season and find ourselves alone or in a hospital room, with no gifts to give or receive, or partaking of a very meager meal, how do we praise God in the midst of it?

The hope for the believer rests in the fact that God is in charge of all things and his providential care extends over all his people, all the time. We can praise him for all the qualities of his character that make him our good, loving Father. As hard as it may be in your season of sorrow, remember the stories of others who have walked the same road you are on and have seen and experienced firsthand the magnificent, all-sufficient, loving care of a gracious Benefactor.

When we praise God—as we rejoice, again and again—in the midst of our bleak circumstances, the gift of praise is a gift that lifts up our spirits, too. The more we praise, even in our darkest situations, the lighter our hearts, and the better we face heartaches and challenges. If you’re not sure where to start, you can pray these words of the Psalmist:

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
–Psalm 103:1–5 (NIV)

No matter what your circumstance, don’t give up or give in. Your story is not over yet.

Prayer: Lord, whatever my plight or trial, I can still praise you for who you are, what you’ve done for me over the years, and the unknown and unpredictable mercies and grace you’ve prepared for me. I praise you for the bright assurance of my future with you in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, and by his resurrection power, we have all the hope we need. Praise your name! Amen.

(Excerpted from A Series of Fortunate Events: A Christmas Devotional)