Good news? Praise God.

Not-so good news? Praise God.

Yes, you read correctly. I know, it makes sense and in fact, it’s easy to praise God when all is well with the world:
The man of your dreams has popped the big question.
You’re pregnant.
You’ve been offered a dream job.

But to praise God:
When your spouse expresses discontent in the marriage.
You’re told that you can’t have a baby.
You have been let go from your job.

Sounds like crazy talk, right? I know that’s what I was thinking just last week when my heart was feeling heavy about not-so good news.

In the book of Psalms, we read David’s words of feeling overwhelmed by his circumstances. Yet, he acknowledged God, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness. In Psalm 23:4 (The Passion Translation), he says:
“Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.”

Time and again, in spite of the not-so good, we read David’s songs of praise as found in Psalm 103:22: “I will bless and praise the Lord with my whole heart!”

Dear Friend, while I may not know what kind of news you are dealing with today, I am grateful that God knows. May praise flow freely from the recesses of your heart as these lyrics from “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship say:
“Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
Yes I will, bless Your name
Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
All my days, oh yes I will”
~Joyce