Monday, June 2, 2008

Hallelujah Anyway

"Though the fig tree doesn't bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habbakuk 3:17-18


Dear Friends, I don't know what is going on in your life this week, tomorrow, this moment, but this is the Word the Lord has clearly spoken to me over the weekend. Regardless of feelings or circumstances, fears within and trials without, the Lord is calling me to praise Him. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord. I don't have to wait until everything is peachy-keen to praise Him. I can praise Him in the uncertainties and in the darkness. I'm not to wait...but praise Him "Now" - Psalm 134:1, "Now praise the LORD..." God added no qualifier to that directive. We don't just praise Him for His blessings, we rejoice IN THE LORD. I am joyful IN GOD MY SAVIOR. It's not because of what He's done that I praise Him, but because of who He is!

The Lord gives us treasures in darkness and when we praise Him in the night our praise becomes a battle cry of victory. Our worship defeats the enemy.

Let's go out today with shouts of praise! We can sing Hallelujah Anyway!

"When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God,
I will be still and know You are God"
Still by Reuben Morgan

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

just what i needed, when I needed it... you have no idea. the reminder to praise even in the darkness, because that worship defeats the enemy.

thank you!!!

MelissaTaylor.org said...

Amen, Amen, Amen!!!! Praise the Lord always and no matter what!!!

How can you praise Him and worry at the same time? It's impossible I think!

Joy, your blog is BEAUTIFUL, just like you!!!

I feel like skipping around the room right now singing my praises...(I'll spare the kids by just skipping and praising, not singing!)

Love you,
Melissa

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Beautiful new blog! I can feel your excitement by just reading what you've written! I'll be coming here often to see what new nuggets the Lord has given you to share with us!

God bless you!
Marilyn

Renee Swope said...

What a timely reminder today. I feel sluggish and just blah (I was awakened at 3am and didn't get back to sleep until 5am. Need some "praising Jesus" time to get me going.

I love your new blog. It's beautiful!!! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement this week. I like what you sent to me about doubt. I am going to read over it as I work on my message some more this weekend.

Also working on one for Friday morning's WM session on encouraging one another and being united in His love. Now that one I love!!!

Have a great day!
Renee