If you have been following this blog/podcast you know I have been burdened by the state of my country, the United States. It’s not just the challenges of the pandemic, but more so the decisions leaders at all levels of government have made which don’t align with God’s will as described in the Bible. I’m concerned that America is restricting freedoms that can result in people moving further away from God instead of to him. Since God is the only source of true life, liberty, and happiness, this is a vital problem. It grieves me to see it happening. Is your heart heavy for some reason? Is your spirit crushed?
When things are difficult and you feel weighed down or overwhelmed, how do you respond? Some people get angry or look for someone to blame. Some people feel fatigued, slip into depression, or give up. Some people cower in fear or seek escape. God understands, but has a better way. He calls you to focus on him through praise instead of on your circumstances. As you celebrate him, trust him, and obey him, he draws you to himself. With God you find peace, rest, wisdom, protection, renewal, and strength as he delivers you amidst your trial, although not necessarily from it.
The Bible records numerous examples of God bringing victory for those who praise him. Here are three. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years learning to trust God, the nation of Israel entered the land God gave them, but they needed to defeat various wicked enemies to occupy it. Before conquering Jericho God instructed Joshua to have his armed men march around the city and have seven priests blow shofars. The exercise was a procession of praise as Israel trusted and obeyed God to deliver Jericho into their hands which he did as promised on the seventh day of praise (Joshua 6).
Another example is when a vast army of Ammonites and Moabites marched to wage war against Judah. The people of Judah fasted, prayed, bowed in worship, and sang praises in preparation. On the battlefield in faith they sang praises again. God responded by causing their enemy to turn on each other and fight against themselves to the point of destruction. God brought victory through praise and Judah didn’t even have to fight (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).
A third example is when the apostle Paul and Silas were unjustly flogged and imprisoned. At night as Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God, there was a violent earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison, opened cell doors, and broke the chains of the captives. Through this miraculous incident the jailer became a Christian and Paul and Silas were exonerated and set free by the magistrates who had falsely accused and mistreated them.
Essentially the answer to a heavy heart is Jesus. He experienced the ultimate persecution and sorrow, but overcame it. In humble obedience and praise to God the Father, Jesus the Son conquered disease, death, sin, and Satan (Colossians 2:6-15). Because he lives you can live (John 14:19). He is fighting and interceding for all who trust and obey him (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5). In addition, all who believe in him receive his Spirit to live in them. By his Spirit he comforts, guides, equips, and empowers them (Luke 11:9-13; John 14:23-27, 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:22-23). Soon Jesus will return to reward believers, judge unbelievers, vanquish evil and Satan, and establish righteousness forever (Revelation 19:11-22:21).
By faith you can experience the victory Jesus has won on your behalf. Every day trust and obey him then praise God with a grateful heart (Mark 12:29-31; John 14:12-16, 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). To praise him you can sing, read psalms in the Bible (many of which are songs), or listen to worshipful music. Stay hopeful and positive. Pray believing God will fulfill his promises then follow through on what he tells you. Thank God for who he is, what he has done, and what he will do.
David who was a shepherd, a fugitive, a warrior, and a king, found this to be true. “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:6-7). “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
So when your heart is heavy redirect your focus off of yourself and your circumstances and onto God. I’m doing this as I pray for revival across America. Will you join me in fixing our eyes on Jesus as the apostle Peter did? Despite the storm around him, Peter was able to move toward Jesus as long as he looked upon Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33). For Jesus was sovereign over the storm and stands as creator and commander of my country, your country, and the entire universe (Colossians 1:15-20; John 1:1-4). This same Jesus is calling us and anyone who is downhearted, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Through humble praise, revel in Jesus’ presence and find victory for your soul.
Note: You might be encouraged by two songs along this theme. Praise You in the Storm by Casting Crowns and Surrounded by Michael W. Smith.