MARCHING THROUGH THE MIRE
/“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2 NIV)
(In our last devotion we took a deep look at the power of praise. Before exploring further, I want to shout out my gratitude to one who is now living and glorifying our Jesus before The Throne in Heaven where eternal praise reigns. Jack R. Taylor (1934-2021) in his book, The Hallelujah Factor, significantly shaped my perspective on praise. This book has been in my personal library for decades and is even still – influencing my prayer & praise walk with my Lord.)
2 Chronicles 20 (hope you’ve spent some time studying and meditating on this passage) anchors the foundation for today’s sharing, Recently God provided “a personal opportunity” to walk through the process of praising and trusting Him through a problem.
Because of a victorious outcome and a “surprise intervention” from The Lord in how He dealt with this crisis, I boldly and confidently offer the following steps to encourage you to march your way through the mire - with praise as your fighting weapon.
We Christians tend to under-value the power of praise in our daily struggles. I believe it is the enemy’s goal to keep us deceived – for he understands this power of praise and does not want you to experience it.
Open your eyes and hearts and embark on your own journey: First, admit and state your issue (crisis, problem.) Present it to The Lord without downplaying it or glossing it over. Whether It’s huge or minimal, lay out the seriousness and how it is affecting you. It is non-productive, and actually a waste of time to downplay the heavy – or even slight turmoil of your soul. ACCURATELY, STATE THE MESS! After describing and explaining to The Lord as thoroughly as you know how, immediately shut down and halt ALL TRUST IN SELF. “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) You must acknowledge your human inability to handle your problem and your emotions. Admit your weakness. Doing this will deliver a death blow to the flesh, for sure! It denies self-trust, pride, and independence.
Next, completely trust and concentrate on God. “But our eyes are upon You!” (2 Chronicles 20:12) This is the mood of genuine praise – discounting all sorts of hope – except God alone. Praise is not problem centered, nor human centered, but God centered! Then – continue in that posture as you wait. Our flesh fights and screams when we are called to wait. But waiting as we worship and trust is the mood of praise. It becomes a time of cleansing and consecration, allowing us to meditate on the faithfulness of God as we keep praising Him.
Now. Listen for God to speak, declaring His movement in your situation. His voice may come as a nudge to your spirit or through another person. “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15) This message declares that God fights on behalf of His people as we stand firm, praise, and trust. Obey. March forward as a soldier in God’s army, step by step as you rejoice, claim God’s power and confess His Word. Obey Him by ceasing self-reliance and turning your focus to confess His power and praise His love for you. Praise Him for who He is. Become in tune with Him, aware of Him, and in awe of Him as He victoriously answers your cry for help. PRAISE IS THE KEY. IT BEGAN THE PROCESS, CARRIES YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND SEALS THE COMPLETION.
Practically Moving Forward
What is your struggle right now? Maybe there are multiple issues you are facing. The steps of praise can move you into a lifestyle of the only victorious way of dealing with your trials – whether large or simply distractions to your peace. State your struggle to God, for He understands better than you do, what is going on in your situation. He sees and understands your heart in trying to work through tangled emotions and confusing thoughts. Lay it out before Him as best as you can, admitting your weakness and inability to deal. Admit your feelings of exasperation and exhaustion with self, others, and circumstances. Confess to Him that He is the only One who can set things right. This includes self, others, and the circumstances before you.
USE YOUR WORDS to declare that you are ceasing all trust in self and looking only to Jesus. Begin a lifestyle of praise – quoting praise scripture throughout the day. Set an alarm on your phone if needed, to remind you to praise Him for Who He is and for being in control.
Praise. Wait. Listen for God to nudge you and intervene in your circumstance. He will! He loves you and is moved when your trust Him and praise Him. Remember it is a progression. You may sense immediate relief in your circumstance, relationship, or personal struggle – or it may come in steps as you praise, wait, and listen.
Let’s Pray
Father, I thank You for loving me and teaching me through Your Word about the importance of praising You through the storms of life,and praising You as a lifestyle. Forgive me for all the days of my life I have spent, forgetting to praise You. I am sorry. Please Holy Spirit, help me remember to praise My Lord and Savior often and everyday as a lifestyle of thankfulness and worship. I love You. Amen.
Loving, Studying, and Praising,Cindi
Want to know more about this kind of love? You’ll find God’s Plan to get you there at frazzledfemale.com.
www.frazzledfemale.com/blog
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