“Why should we praise God in hard times?
“I’ve heard preachers say many times that “in all things, give thanks.’ Why? I am a believer but I don’t get the rationale behind it. If I am in pain or an unpleasant event befalls me, shouldn’t I be allowed to cry, complain, and ask God questions? Why should I resort to giving thanks for a situation that makes me sad?”
This was the question I was asked by a dear friend sometime ago. I responded to the question and decided to share it here too, for people who may have the same question on their minds.
Generally as believers, we are encouraged and instructed to always give thanks to God. In all situations. Even hard ones.
This world is a flawed and imperfect one, and there are times when even as a believer, you have to deal with sad events and unpleasant happenings.
When this happens and other believers encourage you to give thanks regardless, it may come off as insensitive to you for obvious reasons.
You may feel like your feelings are being invalidated and you are expected to become super human and be separated from your emotions.
This is not so. There are specific reasons why we are encouraged to give thanks and praise God during storms. It not an easy thing to do. But gaining more understanding on the reasons, benefits, and how to do it is the first step forward. If you’d like to read on how to praise God during the storm and the benefits of doing so, kindly indicate in the comments below.
However for today, let us delve into WHY?
Why should I praise God or give thanks in hard times?
- Because the Bible encourages us to do so
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Scripture, read with revelation from the Holy Spirit is the believer’s manual for life. The Bible is the wisest perspective to life because it is God’s perspective.
So when it encourages us to do a certain thing, we are sure it is for our own benefit and the Glory of our God.
Of course, for many people, “scriptures say so” is not enough reason. Especially depending on the severity of their adversity, their rootedness in the faith, and depth of their curiosity.
- To show the enemy the superiority of God over that situation.
It is only logical to focus and give priority to the most pressing and important issue at the moment. When you’re going through hard times, ordinarily, your whole attention should be focused on it. Giving your attention to thanksgiving by choosing to praise God in hard times, downplays the power of that problem, grief, disappointment or what ever it is. It is a message to the enemy that you are a victor regardless of the temporary setback.
- To give strength to other believers going through hard times
“I will glory in the Lord;
Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
Let us exalt his name together.”
Psalm 34:2-3 (NIV)
Choosing to praise God in the storm encourages other believers around us who may be going through similar challenges or may go through such in future. It helps build their faith and strengthen their trust in God.
- To show the superiority of your love for God over situations
Praising God during the storm is a reaffirmation that you love God more than these.
It is proof that his blessings are not the only reasons you love and praise him.
- To remind yourself that you trust God and He causes all things to work together for your good.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
But the Lord delivers him from them all;
He protects all his bones,
Not one of them will be broken.”
Psalm 34:17-20 (NIV)
When you praise God regardless of what “reality” is saying, you are reminding yourself to keep trusting and believing in God. You are
If you choose to dwell in that pit of sadness, you’re giving room for the enemy to more than before, overwhelm you and make you further sink into depression.
But choosing praise and thanksgiving raises you far above these vices of the enemy and places you in a higher place. A place where your praise can be used as a weapon against your enemies.
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NIV)
(This is a benefit of praising in the storm. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me know in the comments if you’d like the blogpost on Benefits of praising God in the Storm).
But before then, has this post blessed you? Have you been through a difficult time recently?
What other reasons can you add? Let us communicate in the comments below.