Praise God, Even When It Hurts

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My tears have been my food day and night,

         While they continually say to me,
         “Where is your God?” 

        (Psalm 42:3)

I remember a time before I was saved thinking, concerning a Christian man who lost his job. “Where is your God now? He sure helped you, didn’t He?” During trying times, one may ask, “Where is God?” Maybe a job loss during these difficult economic times or the loss of a loved one leaves a person in doubt and intense sorrow.  They keep calling out to God, yet their suffering continues. It is easy to say "God has forgotten me."

         I will say to God my Rock,
         “Why have You forgotten me?
         Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

         (Psalm 42:9)

Life sure can throw some difficult things at us at times. I know in the past I have felt like God has forgotten me, or why would He help me? However, we must always remember when the storms of life come our way; there is always an open door. Are we going to walk through the door drawing closer to God remembering all the good He has done? Are we still going to lift up our praises trusting He is with us?  Or are we going to close the door?

        Why are you cast down, O my soul?
         And why are you disquieted within me?
         Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
         For the help of His countenance. 

            (Psalm 42:5)

No matter how terrible things may become, we always have a reason to praise God. He sent His son to die for us. God gave us eternal life, those who believe upon His Son, Jesus Christ. Is that not enough reason to continue praising Him? Yet He has done so much more. Maybe take some time right now to remember the good He has done in your life and never let it depart from your heart and mind. If you are struggling with something right now, Psalm 42 and 43 are awesome Psalms to dive into.

And always, always remember:

⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

⁶ So we may boldly say:

      “ The LORD is my helper;
      I will not fear.
      What can man do to me?”  

      (Hebrews 13:5-6)

All scripture from the NKJV