Praising the Lord in the Valley
One fact I have come to realize it is not easy to praise the Lord while in the valley. I know we are supposed to praise the Lord no matter where we are and no matter what the situation. Being a pastor I have preached this truth several times. Scripture is saturated with examples of this and commands from the Lord to do this. However, I am convinced this is one time where it is easier said than done.
In my devotion time today I was reminded that it is possible to praise the Lord in the valley. I read Job chapter 1 this morning. In this chapter we are told that Job was a man of God, and Job was a man who lived a life that pleased the Lord, and a life that was totally sold out to the Lord. However, within one day, less than 24 hours, Job gets word that all he every knew was gone. His children were dead, his servants were all gone, his livestock and all possessions were gone.
Now if this had been me I would not be have been so quick to react like Job did. In verses 20-21 we read where Job tore his clothes, shaved his head, and began to worship the Lord. Yes I said it right. He began to worship the Lord. In his prayer he told the Lord that even though he came into this world with nothing, and he would leave this world with nothing he was going to praise the Lord. All I can say is way to go Job.
I then get to verse 22. It is this verse that that Holy Spirit grabbed my heart and said, can you be in the valley and not blame me. Can you be in the valley and praise me instead of blaming me. I have been blaming God for the state I have been in as of late. I know it is not God’s fault that I don’t praise Him in the valley. I know that God allows us to be in the valley so He can make us more like Him. I will be the first to tell you, that I am not there yet where I will automatically give God praise while in the valley. On the flip side of this, I am asking the Lord to help me get to that point. I know I can get there.
When you read this you may find yourself in the valley, and you may not be praising the Lord. Instead you may be asking why? Let me encourage stop what you are doing, and do as Job did. Get before the Lord and seek His face. While in the presence of the Lord tell Him what your heart is feeling and then begin to ask God to help you worship and praise Him in the valley. I wonder if we are not missing out on some very special and intimate worship when we don’t worship while in the valley.
Thank you Lord for the Valley.
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