Rise Up and Praise

Praise is a frequent theme that resonates throughout the Bible. In Hebrew, the word praise means to “look toward a sight.” To intentionally praise God is to not only call attention to His glory, but to direct focus on who God is: He is holy, loving, faithful, righteous and forgiving.

In the book of Job, we find a beautiful expression and example of a person who was sincere in his praise to God. Although Satan was given free rein to inflict pain, sorrow and sickness on Job, he did something unexpected in the middle of the most painful moment in his life. The Bible says in Job 1:20-22, “he fell to the ground in worship... may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job offered praise! After receiving news of all his misfortunes—including the most dreadful one of losing his children—Job rose from his seat and praised God despite his agony and grief. His wife reprimanded him and his friends blamed him, yet Job did not lose sight of God. Instead, he aligned himself with God and was willing to live in complete obedience to His will.

Indeed, suffering is one thing we all hate to go through, but it is a part of life and one of the many vehicles that God uses to conform us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, we have a choice when adversity knocks on our door. We can lose hope and become bitter, or we can understand that God still deserves praise and glory regardless of what we are going through.

Job’s testimony is a powerful one. It shows us that regardless of the trials we face, we have the assurance that we never have to face them alone. God is always available to guide us through them, giving us His peace. There will be times when the devil will try every tactic to push us into the depths of despair and anguish.

But I encourage you not to give him that opportunity. Instead, invite God’s help and seek His will. Choose not to become hopeless and angry. Instead, rise up and praise Him through the pain of your circumstance.

Psalm 34:1-3 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.”

By Lee-Roy Chacon, President