Learning to Offer Continual Praise

This morning I was reading Psalm 61. Witten by David, this psalm is a plea to help him recall the faithfulness of God at all times. These familiar words are from this passage:

Lead to me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

But David’s desire wasn’t just to know the presence of the Lord in times of trouble, he sought the comfort of God’s nearness at all times.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings.

He knew the assurance of abiding in the Lord, of seeking His face and guidance at all times.

I have to admit, lately, I’ve been worn down. In every possible way and aspect of my life. For the past few months, NOTHING has been easy. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. More than once, I’ve wanted to give up. {In fact, I may have announced to Scott in the middle of an extreme emotional hysteria, “I quit everything!”}

The hard parts of my life were {are!} real. But somehow in the midst of all the crying, worrying, and anxiety, I’d forgotten an important truth: Praise leads to peace. And the peace of God may not change my circumstances but it will always change my heart.

This morning, when I read Psalm 61, verse eight invited me to refocus my attention and remember to praise. I wrote this in my journal:

I will ever sing praises to Your name … continual praise as I do the tasks of my every day, very ordinary life. The writing and studying, the coaching and learning, the cooking and cleaning, the driving and waiting, the helping with homework and relaxing with “Blue Bloods” .. all of this is my opportunity to praise Him. Don’t miss it!!

Maybe today you are feeling overwhelmed, I get it! Maybe you’re struggling with worry or anxiety, I’m there too. Maybe you’re hearing the word “failure” ringing through your head, I know what that is. But there is this truth we can cling to, the hope we have …

He is with us! Always. When we choose praise as our anthem, He offers peace. And more than anything else right now, I need that peace that passes all understanding.

Choosing praise,

Teri Lynne

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