Life is full of difficulties and troubles. We know this is how it will be until we pass on to heaven because Jesus said, “in this world, you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) It’s so easy when these difficulties come to focus on the problems instead of promises from God’s word. So, how can we go about praising God in difficult times?
When It’s Hard to Praise God
I’m going to be honest, I’ve had moments when I want to crawl in bed and sleep for days. Things have been really bad and I wanted to hide away and not face it. I didn’t even know what to pray and felt like God had abandoned me. During these times, God has reminded me of three promises from the scriptures that I would like to encourage you with as well.
The first and biggest thing to remember during these tough seasons is that God is never take by surprise by our circumstances nor is He shocked when we struggle. The Bible says: “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.” (Psalm 103:14 NLT)
Second, we are not alone. Even when we can’t feel it, God is there. The Bible holds the promises that God will never leave us:
- The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
- And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b NIV
Finally, the Bible assures us that God is near to the broken hearted. Psalm 34:18 states, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” So, not only did He not leave us, but He is very near and has a plan to save us.
Importance of Worshipping God in Times of Trouble
Tough circumstances tend to skew our view. We over-think, over-react, and over-state our fears. We let anxiety and worry cloud the truth we know about who we are, why we exist, and Who we serve. I would like to present to us 4 thoughts for why it is so important to worship God in Times of Trouble:
- It takes the focus off of us and our problems.
- It puts our minds on the only One who can save us.
- It changes our attitude, actions, and arguments.
- It gives us peace and hope.
Reasons to Worship God
There are countless reasons to worship God. The main One being that He is the only One worthy of adoration, praise, and devotion. But, I would like to remind us of some reasons that God is worthy of that worship because when we are stuck in our own pain and trials, sometimes we forget.
For Who He Is
We can worship God because of who He is. I just want to make us a list along with some scriptures that will remind us why are God is worthy praising just because of who He is. There are so many more than listed here and I would encourage your to read through the Bible and make your own list.
Creator- Psalm 19:1-6 NIV
Provider– Psalm 111:9 NIV
King- Psalm 29:10 NIV
Good– Psalm 13:6 NIV
Holy– Psalm 33:21 NIV
Caring–Psalm 95:6-7 NIV
Compassionate– Psalm 86:15 NIV
Perfect– Psalm 18:30 NIV
Merciful– Psalm 77:7-12 NIV
Refuge– Psalm 62:8 NIV
Gracious– Psalm 116:5 NIV
Mighty– Psalm 89:8 NIV
For What He Has Done for Us
God has done so much for us. Through salvation in Jesus, He has saved us from our sin and given us life. Even if He did nothing else, that would be enough. However, He is too good to not continue to do for His children. I hope these scriptures remind us of what He has done that is deserving of praise.
God Saved us from Our Sin– 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
God Brought us from Darkness into Light–Ephesians 5:8 NIV
God Speaks to us through the Bible– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
God Gave us the Holy Spirit– John 14:26 NIV
God Gave us a Family of Believers- 1 Peter 5:9 NIV
God Gave us an Inheritance in Heaven– Colossians 1:12 NIV
God Loves Us– 1 John 4:9-10 NIV
God Comforts Us– 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
God Gives Us Peace– 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV
God Guides Us– John 16:13 NIV
Psalms to Meditate on in Times of Trouble
The psalms are so comforting because they were written by humans just like us who poured out their doubts, fears, worries, concerns, praises, thoughts, and hearts to God. We can usually see a progression of anxiety to peace as the psalmist expresses his troubles and then remembers the God he serves is big enough to take care of it all. This list below are the psalms that bring me hope in suffering.
Psalm 23
Psalm 34
Psalm 42
Psalm 55
Psalm 72
Psalm 107
Practical Ways to Worship God When You Don’t Feel Like It
We’ve talked about reminding yourself of the reasons to worship God and scriptures that can help you praise and worship. But, here are some practical helps that you can practice when you are struggling to worship.
- Make a Gratitude List and pray it back to God.
- Turn on some worship music and sing along or just simple let the lyrics inspire you.
- Share your struggle with a close friend and let them pray over you and encourage you.
- Listen to a podcast or sermon from your favorite preacher.
- Curl up in a comfy spot and pour your heart our to God in prayer.
This is such a crucial topic for us to get right as Christians! I love the reminders of just a few reasons why God is worthy of our praise, in bad times as well as in good. Worship music is my favorite practical way to worship when I’m struggling.
Amen. He is so worthy!
I absolutely LOVE this encouraging and edifying post, Arrica! It’s so easy to lose focus in the hard times, posts like this need to be bookmarked and returned to as often as needed during the tough seasons! Blessings sweet sister … 🙏😘💕
Thank you. Praying it is an inspiration to many struggling.