Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Sacrifice Of Praise

It's funny how quickly things change. Last evening God and I were talking. Work had been a little rough and I was tired. When you're tired sometimes you're just not at your best. So...I was telling God about the things that were bothering me and that's when He started giving me the post I wrote. By this time life was good again. Then just before bed I got some news I didn't want to hear. It affected me negatively...big time. Back to not being at my best mentally. So I read my Bible anyway and then put in my Scripture CD. After just a few minutes of listening I was asleep. Then this morning came...

The attitude hadn't changed a whole lot. I still wasn't happy with things. But, I had to get ready for work anyway. So wouldn't you know it, the first thing I have to do is go where God speaks to me most often...the shower. Well, don't you know, I was telling God how unfair life is when...all of a sudden...in the midst of my bad, complaining mood...a song pops into my head. One I only hear at church and that I never even think about. I don't even know it really and all I can remember is the part that kept playing...over and over...in my thoughts this morning;

Lift the name of JESUS high
Lift the name of JESUS high
JESUS let Your name be lifted high

It was as if a light went on in my very soul! The Lord was telling me to just praise Him. Lift Him up in praise and worship. So I did. Immediately the heaviness was easing. Through all of this He was saying even more to me. This is what it was...

It doesn't matter how much junk and pain has went on in my life...past and present. JESUS...who saved me from all kinds of mess...is really all that matters. HE will make everything work out. HE has my life in HIS hands and HE is in control of every aspect of it. HE will take care of everything. What I need to do is just trust and not let the "stuff" of life mess with me. Keeping my walk with the LORD going in the right direction is what I need to think about. The things of this world are of the least importance. Just keep all of that in perspective and live for the LORD. Do what HE has for me to do and just trust in HIM. HE won't ever let me down.

What I have noticed is that satan likes to remind us of all the things in life that really aren't fair. What I have also noticed is if you listen to that little devil he will get a foot hold in. That's all he needs to start his dirty work and bring you down. Don't let him. Remind him who is in control...GOD!!

One day soon, all of these trials we have will be over. JESUS is going to come back and the devil will get what's coming to him. Won't that be a glorious day!!

Hebrews 13:15

New Living Translation (NLT)
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Ephesians 5:19-20

New Living Translation (NLT)
19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Linking up today with Tracy for Winsome Wednesday.    


8 comments:

Shanda said...

Thank you for this reminder. It does make such a difference when we lift our hearts in praise, even for the things that don't make sense or that feel just.

Anonymous said...

Hi Chelle - lovely post, and so true. When we choose in obedience to praise Him despite how we feel, God lifts the heaviness. And as you say, its all about Him. thank you Chelle for linking up. I'd be so sad if I didn't see you there :)
God bless precious friend
Tracy

Never Forsaken said...

Hi Chelle,
That's why I shower every day! Usually if I'm feeling down that song "Child of the King" comes to mind. It's amazing how good we sound while singing praises to our King while in the shower..maybe that's how God plans it, so we will sing his praises right out loud?
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 30:4 KJV
Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement
~God Bless~
Lisa

Kandi said...

Chelle,

Isn't it amazing when it seems as if everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, but a little worship and getting our praise on with a capital P makes makes a heart joyful. Praise God.

Blessings to you Chelle.

Kristin Bridgman said...

I so understand this! When I was going through a difficult season, I posted words to hymns and praise songs all over the place, and when I was really down, would start singing and praising. Everytime I ended up feeling better:)
Even when I didn't feel like praising, I would do it anyway and God always met me.
Praising His Mighty Name!

Unknown said...

I can't wait for all these trials to be over. What a glorious day that will be! But until that day, I will continue to bring the sacrifice of praise. Great post, Chelle!

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful song! And thank you for sharing this post, for the message you have given is a very good reminder for me to take in!

God bless!

Desiray said...

I can truly appreciate your honesty in this post. It's so refreshing when a person can bear their soul to God and to others to help them. Chelle you may never know how you are helping other women and men, but one day soon my dear you will know. Keep doing what you do and keep having those talks with the Lord...He desires us to come to Him just like you did.