“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name forever” (Psalm 34:1b-3).

Have you ever tried praising God when you are in a trial? It’s not the natural thing to do. It’s also not a fake spirituality that denies real pain. Yet, praise helps us measure and meet trials by reminding us how God sovereignly uses them to help us treasure him.

When God’s greatness and goodness fill our thoughts, fears drain from our hearts. As others have said, “When our God is small, our troubles are large; but when our God is large, our troubles are small.”

Praise focuses our minds on the greatness of God, so we sense afresh how wise, powerful, and loving he is – more than a match for any trial. Such praise does not require that we believe our troubles are small, only that we remember our God is greater.

Praise doesn’t erase trials but equips us for them. Praise does not dry all tears but helps us see beyond them. Praise renews the resources we need to endure. There will be nothing lacking that we need to stand for God when we utter the praises that make him present and powerful in our hearts (Psalm 22:3).

The testing of our faith, when it stirs us to praise God for his greatness and goodness, produces steadfastness in us because we become focused on the One who is steadfast (James 1:2-4). Since he will never fail, our trials cannot prevail.

Prayer:
Father, I don’t enjoy the temporary trials and painful difficulties in my life, but I praise you that they help me to become more steadfast for the One who is always steadfast. Let my praise focus my heart on your greatness.