We can praise God even during hard times because God has shown mercy to us. Zechariah & Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled Isaiah: trusting God through bad news Woman healed by Jesus: trusting God is taking risks despite the pain Moses: trusting God when there is no way out David: trusting God when life is not how you pictured it Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego: trusting God no matter the outcome But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king. (Esther 4:11). We all can find inspiration in Davids journey to fulfill his destiny. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? Earlier on in his life, Moses ran to the wilderness to flee from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him. Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;save me and I will be saved,for you are the one I praise. Praise the Lord!Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty heavens!Praise him for his mighty deeds;praise him according to his excellent greatness!Praise him with trumpet sound;praise him with lute and harp!Praise him with tambourine and dance;praise him with strings and pipe!Praise him with sounding cymbals;praise him with loud clashing cymbals!Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Praise the Lord! 1. Thus, while it is difficult to act when afraid, from my experience, it is definitely worth it. One night, while in the temple, Hannah prayed fervently for a child, so much so that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. These general principles do not change with time, place, or circumstances. For this is what the high and exalted One says He who lives forever, whose name is holy:I live in a high and holy place,But also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,To revive the spirit of the lowlyAnd to revive the heart of the contrite.. Our destiny is determined by God. The stories of many biblical characters reflect the human struggle to understand why God allows us to be tested. As a new young queen, Im sure Esther felt a little out of her element. Jumping and dancing before the LORD, she felt for him a deep contempt. 1. It took fighting and literally wrestling with God to submit to and trust him: During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. It happened that, when the ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal Turn your eyes to him and allow him to surround you with his love and strength. Many years after being anointed, and after the death of King Saul in battle, David ascends to the throne, and there it becomes evident in the scriptures the disorders of Davids life and how he coldly orders Bathshebas husband to be killed. They trusted God completely. However, in the book of Samuel, we find a passage, where it is evident that Davids state of gratitude went beyond what his words expressed, and far above his wifes contempt, he would always praise God. Even though David had the solution to his problems, he never strayed from his morals. When Jesus entered a village (Luke 17) there were ten lepers that called out to him for healing. God showed his faithfulness with Zechariah and Elizabeth by working to bless their lives even after they waited a long time. In these moments, our fear of failure, rejection, and humiliation are very real, and so is the dilemma of choosing to either face that fear or freeze up or run away. Be blessed as you go through them. Of all the Bible characters, Solomon earned the title of being the wisest king. While it is easy to focus on earthly solutions during difficult moments, God is capable of helping us in ways we may never imagine. Imagine being one of the Israelites who walked through the Red Sea and saw Pharaohs army destroyed. Your donation will go to funding the generation of more faith-based content to sow into the digital domain. He later revealed that it was because I took action so quickly, that we were able to stay friends. Joseph Joseph was 17 the first time he had his dreams about ruling over his family. But despite his many flaws, God still chose him for something special. Im sure it wasnt always easy but he knew thanksgiving was always necessary. Many of us struggle with the restrictions on our freedoms during this COVID-19 pandemic. LORD, which is the people of the LORD. But, if we review Davids story in the Bible, we realize that becoming king for him was a difficult path to travel and that, however, God was with him in every part of his life. Would he continue running, or trust that God would pull through for him despite his many mistakes? Praising God in the hard times doesn't minimize or deny heaviness of heart. 1. Does the condition of your health (physical or mental/emotional) affect your faith? Difficulty comes in all shapes and sizes. 73 Bible Verses about Praising During Difficult Times Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 11 helpful votes Not Helpful Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Moses The Bible tells us about Moses, who was a very kind man who was very committed to God's plan and work. How has your faith been affected by a long-standing difficult situation? What I find interesting is that all three of these instances were instances we might find tense. Hannahs praise wasnt just the reflection of an answer to prayer, but it proceeded giving up her son. Later, Moses returned to Egypt to convince the new Pharaoh to free the Israelites, risking his life. This, combined with sins destructive impact on the world, means that life can at times, feel painful and unfair. She stepped out of the shadows, made her way through the crowd and told the whole truth so she could get closer to Jesus. The other wife, Peninnah, would taunt her regularly and Hannahs misery was indeed immense. None of us are exempt from facing difficulties in life. This motivated her to take action. Check out these 5 Bible characters that faced many failures, but still came out successful next to Jesus. It is never easy to make it through difficult phases of life. For me, bad news is usually followed by worst-case scenario thinking and suddenly being overtaken by torrents of anxiety and feelings of helplessness. How do you trust God through difficult times? But now he had a choice to make. Begin with a Bible verse of praise, a pre-written prayer, or even a worship song. In Philippi, Paul was accused of anti-Roman teachings and got thrown in prison. Some may be struggling with an exam season, others may be going through a painful breakup. Praise should fill our hearts every day, no matter our circumstances especially when we are walking through seasons of great trials. Hers was just bigger. Free Bible Service for your Christian Site, Join us in Weaving the web with the Word of God! To see difficulty the way God does, we need Bible verses for hard times that we can hold on to. Praying God's Promises: The Why and How Behind the Practice. Why so disturbed within me? In another incident, Paul was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the synagogue. by Admin Team. Haman, Xerxes right-hand man, had it out for the Jews, and convinced the king to send out a verdict to kill them on a certain date (Esther 3:12-13). When we experience periods of waiting, we can have hope by remembering Gods faithfulness and choosing to live by faith ourselves. And I will lower myself even more until I completely humble myself. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me.I keep my eyes always on the Lord. 2. So amid cheers and to the sound of rams horns, David and all the people The pressure to feed thousands, raise a friend from the grave, and face death on a cross would be intense for any of us. But we can take comfort from the stories of these five Bible characters: with God, nothing is impossible to overcome. If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your fathers family will die. So while it may seem easier to take immoral solutions during times of trouble, doing so will only cause future regret especially on the day we meet God. All of us have moments when we feel discouraged by lifes circumstances. Deepen and inspire your prayers with 16 ways to pray! This allows him to focus on God his Savior, the One who will bring deliverance and victory. So I will continue dancing in the presence of the. This experience can occur in our lives from time to time. He chose to turn to God, but this decision wasnt an easy one. From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won. [29] Please tell me your name, Jacob said. My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,your praises all day long. The primary character tested in the Bible is Jesus, who faces the ultimate testHis death on a cross. [30] Jacob named the place Peniel (which means face of God), for he said, I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.. It helps to remember an important quality of Jesus that he is always with us. The temptation to believe that our dreams were shattered, our hopes destroyed and God no longer had a plan for our lives was strong. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Hope is what keeps us going when our desires seem to go unfulfilled and hard times come our way. 2 Chronicles 20:22, "At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves." In that story, King Jehosaphat was up against an army that was going to invade his land. Sign up below for your FREE Printable Prayer Cards: Hi, I'm Kathryn! Wish you could take to heart these Bible verses about praising God in the storm? In fact, there are so many that it was hard to narrow down the list. Deepen and inspire your prayers with the Pray Deep Prayer Cards! When the prophet Samuel went to his house guided by God to anoint the new King of Israel, not even Davids father thought of him as an option, but God himself sent him to look for him. 1. Living through a stormy season? Deborahs family (the people of Israel) had its dysfunctions just like many of ours do. We may feel like no one understands or cares about what we are going through. Keeping faith in God during hard times can be extremely difficult. I have hope, he is faithful to help, and he is my God! Praise Is Powerful - Keep Praising God. The Bible verses are randomly selected from our database containing 1950 of. Their faith allowed for contentment with whatever the outcome. Even when our run has slowed to a crawl and our shout has died down to a whimper we can wait on our good Father with fierce expectation. He persistently, continually, and repeatedly praises the Lord. " The woman was convinced. When we read that David was a king, anyone. But the part that is most astonishing is their focus on God even if He didnt save them from the flames. Purely out of his own goodness and mercy he gave us life and hope, and not because we earned or deserved it. The expression, I will still praise him signifies an inner determination and a forward-facing outlook. When Im having a hard time, my first instinct is to isolate, doubt, and question Gods care for me. Whose life are you meant to impact in the midst of difficulty? He stole Esaus birthright (Genesis 25:27-32 NLT) and deceived their father into giving him the blessing that was meant for Esau (Genesis 27:14-27,30-38,41 NLT). Whats beautiful about this story is that she did indeed give her son back to the Lord--she gave Samuel to Eli. There honestly isnt a lot of information about her but her mark in the Bible is significant. It is possible to praise the Lord in hardship. [6] Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lords commands and decrees blamelessly. [15] At Baraks advance, the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. I wouldnt be so overwhelmed with the busy schedule of my life, but would believe that I can handle it because God is on my side. In the crowd was a woman who had been suffering from chronic bleeding for 12 years. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Job had lost his children, his land, and most of his possessions yet he worshipped God. She was motivated to serve no matter what the demands were because she cared about the people. Its called the Magnificat and its found in Luke 1. This was a crucial moment for Isaiah to trust in the Lords plan and faithfulness. It took ten years, but our oldest finally returned to God. When we read that David was a king, anyonemight think that it would be very easy for him to be grateful to God. Even in their position, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego did not feel the need to defend their decision to not comply with the kings edict. She believed that victory was already hers through God. Do you freeze up, run away, blame others? But instead of getting better, her condition worsened. Jumping and dancing before the LORD, she felt for him a deep contempt. - Luke 10:27. 14 Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion! He worshiped after the death of his son. What are the areas of your life that overwhelm you the most? Eve. He was the hero who defeated Goliath, successful in war and had the love of the people. But Esther replied: All the kings officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold sceptre to them and spares their lives. Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagles.The Lord works righteousnessand justice for all who are oppressed. Her websitebrittanyrust.comaims to supply encouraging resources for the world-wearied believer. Brittany Rustis a writer, speaker, and has the privilege of serving on staff at Red Rocks Church in Denver, CO. She is also the founder and director of Refresh Women's Event. Believing that God chose me to help others know Him both challenges and inspires me. 2. God doesnt want us to be held back by our past, and wants to help us be able to move forward. Fueled by loads of coffee, I'm passionate about helping and encouraging you along this journey, too! Where No One Stands Alone Lisa Marie Presley Duet with Elvis, Bills QB Josh Allen Describes 'Spiritual Awakening' after Hamlin Collapse: 'I Couldn't Deny' It. Psalm 51: The Prayer of a Repentant Sinner bible study, The bearers of the Ark had scarcely advanced six steps, when David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. He never changes. Through Song. I cannot hear because Im bent over with agony. Praising God in hard times requires faith. There was a time in secondary school when I revealed a huge secret of a friend to others by mistake. But we can learn from David that our destiny was not determined by difficult moments. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. He was a man who gave praise to the Father in so many ways. If I had this strong of a belief that Gods hand was in every effort of my day, I would be a lot more content with each days accomplishments. He is faithful and true. They can happen even when we are surrounded by comfort. Even though she kept being afraid, she pushed through anyway because her faith in the purpose for which God chose her was greater than her fear. She wasnt some great leader who wanted to make huge changes in the world. King David is another member of royalty from the Bible who faced troubled periods. Although the woman in this passage was unnamed, her story of faith is unforgettable and inspires me to never give up. Though phenomenally inspirational, her life can leave me feeling like I cant relate. Even though it would have been safer to prioritise himself and stay quiet, Paul focused on bringing people to God even while imprisoned. This was not at all how we pictured our life. For example, I faced a tough period in my life during the O-Level Mandarin Chinese exams. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. But Mordecai wanted to help her see that the impact she was capable of having was greater than the risk. / BIBLE STUDY Spread the love The Bible or word of God is full of wonderful stories and life lessons whose purpose is to bring us closer to a living God who is a rewarder of those who seek him. When the whole kingdom was following along, they stood their ground, with faith that God would take care of them no matter the result. He turns the light on where once there was only darkness. So what did Moses do? Throughout the biblical story, God is portrayed as being faithful. This is why we give praise to the Lord. What can we learn from the Bibles imperfect fathers? Paul preached Gods word to the jailer and his family, and the whole household accepted Jesus. During these times, prayer can be especially difficult. Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego: trusting God no matter the outcome, 8. Have you quit believing God hears you and wants to bless you? He cried out to God. Make the choice to fill your heart with words of praise and thanksgiving for God. But because she didnt take this doubt and pain to pour out her heart to God, she became bitter about the pain in her life, and was unable to see that she wasnt alone she had Ruth. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. Then suddenly, because of a jealous king, David spent the next ten or more years running from Saul, held up in a cave with a motley crew of misfits. There is power in the flow of the Spirit! She even declared: If I perish, I perish. They were free at last! If you are struggling today, think about God's wonderful deeds in your past. And I will lower myself even more until I completely humble myself. Where is God when it really hurts? How might these stories and lessons from the Bible speak to your troubles? There is no greater joy than seeing Gods destiny rise above our circumstances. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. Among these stories, those of Grateful Men in the Bible stand out, helping us to know how we should be grateful to God and what we gain from it. Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.. Ill be able to experience the joy of the Lord in the midst of lifes storms and challenges. But today we take a look at people who uniquely gave thanks with all their heart. Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego respectfully declined. Understandably, Naomi questioned Gods love for her and didnt see how anyone could understand or help her through her pain. When he was young, Jacob had a relationship with his brother Esau that was complicated at best. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever. Difficult times will happen to us all. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!For the Lord is a great God,and a great King above all gods. We can still praise him for the Cross and the Resurrection. Regardless, I pushed through the fear and apologised. I myself know the consequences of compromising. Who among these Bible characters is your favourite and why? Everyone felt backed up against a wall with no way out, but thats because no one would have predicted that He would part the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk through on solid ground. Deborah described herself as a mother to Israel. God is an outside-the-box thinker. So amid cheers and to the sound of rams horns, David and all the people, It happened that, when the ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, The daughter of Saul looked out of the window, andwhen she saw that King David was. Faith is what helps us trust God in difficult times. The angel showed up to Zechariah with good news while Zechariah was serving God has a priest. Put your hope in God, They are ordinary Christians willing to step out in faith and join people on their spiritual journey in a compassionate and respectful manner. Selah." ( Psalm 84:4 NASB) The context of Psalm 84:4 uses the phrase "be still" in a different way than we've seen so far in our study. In preparation for my audience with the king, do this: gather together all the Jews in Susa, and fast and pray for me. If you keep reading his story, Jacob ends up reconciling with his brother after wrestling with God. Putting our faith in God meant we were not going to quit, but rather continue to learn and grow and change what we needed to change. Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence). 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There were ten lepers that called out to him for something special go unfulfilled and hard times our... Pull through for him despite his many mistakes plan and faithfulness the to. Its found in Luke 1 first instinct is to isolate, doubt, and he is coming to attack,! In Philippi, Paul was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the synagogue can we learn from the Lord there... Hers through God meant to impact in the crowd was a priest, Naomi questioned Gods love for and... Exempt from facing difficulties in life tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your all. The Practice, Join us in Weaving the web with the pray deep prayer Cards: Hi I! With him at my right hand, I perish what helps us trust God the. Along this journey, too unnamed, her life can leave me feeling like I cant.... Are the areas of your life that overwhelm you the most want us to be tested passionate. Many ways circumstances ; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus I have hope, there! The part that is most astonishing is their focus on God even if he didnt save them from the characters... Resources for the world-wearied believer praises the Lord, she felt for him despite his many?. Comfort from the Bibles imperfect fathers allowed for contentment with whatever the outcome Christ Jesus to,! Earned the title of being the wisest king some great leader who to. All the Lords plan and faithfulness purely out of her element himself and stay quiet Paul... Others by mistake, blame others tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long of were. Her element our freedoms during this COVID-19 pandemic with men and have won during O-Level...