Oftentimes it is thought by some people that those of us in ministry “have it all together.” It is thought sometimes that we have no problems—that we have always had enough money, or that we don’t have to experience attacks from the enemy. Sometimes the impression given, whether we intend it so or not, is that our whole lives are wrapped securely in ministry and that we are somehow insulated from the difficult days that life will inevitably introduce to us. But Jesus told us in John 16:33 that we would have tribulation in this life. However, He didn’t just stop there; He said “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” In Psalm 34:19 we see God as a Deliverer from our many afflictions. (Also see 2 Timothy 3:12).

I want to encourage somebody who is going through something terrible. “Something” could be any one of a myriad of issues. God knows what your “something” is. When we go through rough times, in our human condition we may find it hard to have an attitude of praise and gratitude, let alone express it by raising our hands, or singing. But when you go through, that’s a good time to do war with the enemy and sing! Go ahead and sing your favorite song under the power of the Holy Ghost and let the words minister to your spirit.

When we’re going through a tough time, it is no easy thing to offer praises to God. We are natural beings; we have feelings, thought patterns, and a will. Because of the blood of Jesus we no longer, however, have to be ruled by our natural man. Hebrews 10:19 states: Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, (NASB). Second Corinthians 5:17 speaks to us about our new-creature relationship through Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, who has given each of us a measure of faith, and showers His grace on all of us, we can bring our cares to Him in an atmosphere of praise and/or worship. Both Exodus 19:6 and I Peter 2:5 remind us that God has made us priests unto Himself. Our priesthood through salvation by Jesus Christ affords us rights and privileges. One of those rights is to praise God at ANY time, and one of those privileges is to BOLDLY come before His throne and get help whenever we need it.

Entering into sacrificial praise to God is a faith venture. When we praise God in our troubled times we are telling God that we know He is STILL God—that we still acknowledge Him as Lord OVER the situation at hand. Just as the Old Testament sacrifice of animals called for death, so it is true in the New Testament realm of sacrifice; death to our comforts, to our egos, and our desires; death to constant focus on our problems. Trouble comes to all of us; no one is exempt (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Whether you hold a position of leadership in your church or not, think it not strange when you encounter problems in your life. Jesus has promised us victory, and He always causes us to triumph in Him. Look at Psalm 66:12: . . .we went through fire and through water, but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place (KJV). So go ahead and praise God for what you already know—that you are already blessed and delivered according to the Word of God. God extends a wonderful promise to those who obey Him in Deuteronomy 28:13: And the Lord shall make thee the head and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath. . .(KJV). Fall on your face in worship because you serve a God who is worthy of all the honor we could possibly bestow on Him. Submit yourself to Christ’s Lordship over your life and your circumstances, and allow Him to fill your heart with high praise.

My prayer for all who read this article is that you determine in your spirit everyday to live above your circumstances, and under the Blood. Praise God under the Blood; worship Him under the Blood, place your entire life – including your goals, dreams, and deepest heart’s desires under the Blood of Jesus; release it all to Him, and watch Him make more of your life than you ever could without His divine help.

Donna Renay Patrick is the founder of WORDshop Ministries based in Lewisville, Texas and a frequent contributor to BlackandChristian.com. It is the objective of this Word-based teaching ministry is to train the Body of Christ in who we are, and what power lies within us when we execute the weapons that belong to us through the vehicles of praise & worship. Visit her website at http://www.wordshopministries.com.

© 2004 BlackandChristian.com. This article used by permission.