Psalm 111

“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.”
Psalm 111:1

Sometimes during difficult or dry spiritual seasons in our lives, it can be challenging doing things we as Christians know we need to do for our spiritual well-being. We can get overwhelmed by all the things we have to do at work, at home, and with our families. I am currently having a very uncomfortable season in my place of employment. I do not feel joy in my work and long to leave my job. If I had the resources to do so, I would be gone immediately. Unfortunately, I don’t have those resources, and despite my many prayers, the Lord has not yet opened doors in other areas of employment.

During these trying times, it may seem counterintuitive for us to praise the Lord but that is exactly what we must do. Praising God in and through difficulties is a practice or discipline that we must develop. Our heavenly Father meets us where we are. We can praise Him and let Him know our sorrows. I find that the more I focus on Him, the more content I am. And I find joy in reflecting on all the ways He loves me and blesses me. Praise and worship songs give me more ways to glorify the Lord. Listening to the lyrics of Cece Winans’ “Worthy Of It All,” the “Revelation Song,” and Matthew West’s “You are Everything” transform me into a worshiper who finds true joy in her Savior.

Along with those songs above, I find some songs that are considered secular assist me in my worship. Lately, I’ve been listening to Jill Scott’s “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat) and her song with Anthony Hamilton “So in Love.” These songs have grooves that allow me to dance as I praise, and they have increased my understanding of how God loves me. Ms. Scott’s joy as she sings is analogous to our triune God singing over us. It is a humbling thought to know that the God of universe treasures me, and this gives me joy as well as enables me to continually praise Him with my whole heart.