DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL DECEMBR 10 PRAISE GOD EVEN WHEN OPPRESSED* Scriptures: Psalms 43: 2 – 5
In a normal sense, it is difficult to tell someone under the enemies’ oppressions to praise God. How can a man or woman under the oppression of the enemies gather strength to praise God? In Psalms 43: 2 – 5, is found how King David took decision to praise God while his enemies were oppressing him. King David was under oppression until his soul, his God breathed spirit into him, became dismayed and disquietened. David challenged his “soul” for being down casted and disquietened. He told his soul to “hope in God” because against all odds he will “yet praise” God.
The lesson here is that; it is not only those passing through joyful moments that will praise God. In fact, it is more rewarding when you are in difficult situations and still praise God. Your soul may be dampened, sorrowful, discouraged and down casted. But at this point you don’t stop praising God. Satan knows that praising God at difficult times means a lot to God, so he will do everything to discourage you from thinking good about God when surrounded by sea of oppressors. But for King David? He told his depressed soul, “…even though you’re casted down, I want you to hope in God.” He told his soul that he will go to the altar to talk to God who holds “exceedingly joy” for him. He felt joyful to praise God because he knew that it is God who is his health (verse 5).
The beloved, I may not know how determined your enemies are in causing you pains and sorrows. I may not know how down casted your soul is today. But I believe that sitting on a sorrowful chair counting your woes will deepen your sorrow. I know that the solution to the oppressive stance of your enemies can be taken care of by praising God. Therefore, get up and move to the altar of God and give Him praise. If you are far from physical altar, kneel down at a place convenient enough for you to pray and praise and erect an altar, then start praising God. Do this joyfully. He will deliver you, restores you and changes the countenance of your face.
PRAYER:
LORD JESUS, take my mind away from visible and invisible oppressors facing me in life and give me grace to praise God every day of my life. Amen.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch