Psalm 40:2-3 says ‘He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God’
DAILY READNG; Matthew 13:24-58; Leviticus 19; Proverbs 29
Mark Hall is the lead vocalist for the celebrated music group, Casting Crowns. One of their very popular songs “Praise You in This Storm” written by Mark Hall, perhaps best captures his life’s story.
Mark is someone who has learnt to praise God even in the storm. In his book ,‘Lifestories’, which talks about his trials, Mark defines himself as “a broken person made whole”.
As a child, Mark was diagnosed with learning disabilities and struggled in school with ADHD and dyslexia. Not being able to read was a constant source of humiliation, which made him to grow up feeling like a loser.
However, as Mark gave his life to Christ and focused on serving God through music, God helped him to overcome these disabilities. In 1999 Mark formed the group Casting Crowns, which began as a student worship band, but has gone on to become one of the best contemporary Christian music bands.
Then in 2015, when everything seemed to be going well for him, out of nowhere, the enemy struck. At that time, Casting crowns was approaching 10 million sales of its albums. However, when Mark went for a medical checkup he was shocked to receive the diagnosis that he had cancer. While his doctors scheduled him for surgery, Mark continued to sing praises to God leading the band in worship concerts.
The surgery was successful and God again miraculously delivered him. And today, Mark Hall continues to praise God with his band, testifying of the goodness of God wherever he goes. Their group Casting Crowns has won many awards including, Dove, Billboard and American Music awards.
Our attitude of gratitude will always determine our altitude. To rise to the mountaintop in life, you must learn to praise God while in the valley.
Growing in spiritual maturity is growing in our capacity to bless God at all times. The higher the level of our intimacy with God, the more we can be able to glorify Him in every situation, knowing that He is ever with us.
God said in Isaiah 43:2, “When you go through the waters, I will be with you, when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned”.
When we diligently serve God, through life’s fire or flood, He will always be there to pull us through. This is why we can be joyful in the midst of adversity, have a song in the night season and be at peace even in the storm.
Praising God in the storm is a sacrifice of praise. Every time you praise despite the pain, you’re making preparation for the rain. Life is essentially a seedtime and harvest adventure and no one ever gets out of life more than he puts into it. And when you chose to praise God in the midst of adversity you will reap the harvest of His miraculous intervention. Those who complain, remain, but those who praise are raised. Indeed praise will always guarantee you a raise out of any pit.
Psalm 40:2-3 says ‘He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God’
It doesn’t matter how great the challenge, when we praise Him, God takes over our battles.. [2 Chronicles 20:17]
However, the ability to praise God effectively is through faith imparted in our heart by the Word. The more you study the Word, the more the joy of the Lord will fill your heart and the more victorious you will be in life.
PRAYER: Lord, Please grant me the grace to always give You worthy praise at all times. I know You are always good and faithful and in every situation You are in perfect control and working all things together for my good in Jesus Name.
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Your attitude always determines your altitude in life. –WORDBITE 222