Psalm 34:1 ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.’

DAILY READING • Galatians 1; Jeremiah 47-48; Psalm 142

On Sunday, April 15 2018, a series of violent storms moved through the U.S state of Virginia, spawning several tornadoes. As the winds left a devastating path of destruction, the most impacted region was the Town on Elon in Virginia.
Six tornados carved damage paths in the area with winds of up to 150 miles per hour and a 25-mile long path of debris. As an EF-3 tornado tore through the town of Elon it destroyed about 26 homes and left many families devastated.
Yet despite the great destruction caused by the tornado miraculously no one was killed. And this was why the town’s residents who are mostly Christians chose to praise God, grateful that their lives were spared.
One of the families that suffered great devastation had hid in the basement of their home during the tornado. After the storm, all that was left of their home was the foundation. Neighbors had to help pull the family from the rubble of their destroyed home. The family knew they had escaped death only because of God’s grace. And on that remaining foundation where their home had once stood, many gathered around together to sing praises to God, thanking Him for sparing their lives.
The residents of this town refused to allow the mishap stop their praise! Despite all they lost, they remained grateful to God that they didn’t lose their lives.
As residents of the town of Elon gave God praise despite the tragedy of the tornado, miracles began to happen! Help came from various quarters as people and organizations rallied round to assist the community in rebuilding. And today, their homes have not only been rebuilt, but they are better and stronger than what they used to be.

In those times, it may seem we have a good reason to feel down and discouraged, we must discipline ourselves to always give God thanks in everything.

I Thessalonians 5:18 says “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus’

Depression will only give room to the oppression of the enemy. But thanksgiving leads to our lifting.
When residents of the town of Elon sang praises despite the tragedy, God raised help for them from various quarters.
When you chose to offer the sacrifice of praise, in the midst of difficulties, somehow, in ways you cannot fathom, things will begin to turn around.
You will see that negative medical verdict overturned, the financial problems will be resolved, the family crisis, marital troubles etc will all be overcome. Indeed there’s nothing God cannot handle in our lives, as long as we stay strong in faith and keep giving glory to Him.
A Sacrifice of praise will always get God’s attention, because it is praise that costs you something. David said ‘I will not offer unto God that which has cost me nothing.’ When we offer unto God that which costs us something, He releases unusual blessings to us. When Abraham offered his only son Isaac, God swore a blessing over him.
In this season we can turn the tides of blessing in our favor by offering a sacrifice of praise to God.
Psalm 34:1 says ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.’

To rise to the mountaintop, you must learn to praise God while in the valley. Challenges are often fuel or catalyst that propel us towards our destiny. It will either make you better or make you bitter. However, our attitude of gratitude will always determine our altitude.
Praising God in the storm, which is a sacrifice of praise, moves God to act in your favour. Instead of complaining over your health, choose rather to thank God for restoration. Rather than be discouraged over your finances, choose rather to thank God for overflow, thank Him that according to scriptures you will lend to many nations.
Praise will always guarantee you a raise out of any pit.
Every time you praise despite the pain, you’re making preparation for the rain. As we come to the end of the month of July today, it is a good place to offer God worthy praise. As we keep praising God, surely there is coming the sound of the abundance of rain and we will soon experience downpours of favor, blessings, restoration, miracle, signs and wonders.

PRAYER: Lord, I know You are always good and faithful. No matter what happens around me, I know You are in perfect control of my life. Please grant me the grace to always give You worthy praise at all times in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
Your attitude always determines your altitude in life. –WORDBITE 222