Intentionally Choosing Praise

I admit, I don't always feel like Praising the Lord. If you think that's awful, move on to a more touchy-feely good-girl Christian blog post. If you sometimes find yourself arguing with God, stick around because you may find a kindred spirit. I have a real relationship with my Creator which includes my stubborn sassiness being extremely impatient with things I think He ought to fix in my life. I dislike reading about people who seemingly never question the purpose of their circumstances. I'm tempted to believe those people are deceiving themselves. But... That is between them and Him. Personally the debates and questioning I have help me know Him (and myself) better.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:12-14

Some will use James 1:13 to tell us God isn't capable of tempting us. That's not really what these verses in context say though. What it does say is that God can't tempt us with evil.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

We are going to be tempted but God stresses that we can be victorious if we will rely on, lean on, and seek Him to help us through. He will always provide a way through, out of, or around each difficult situation. He never promises we won't be tempted.

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Genesis 2:1-2

God gave us free will. We wouldn't fully understand or appreciate that if all the choices available to us were only good and pure. I'd even argue that if you are not being tempted, you aren't doing something right. Abraham was definitely tempted in a way few parents could answer to and most of us would call human sacrifice evil. Yet the Bible says God was the one who tempted him to sacrifice his son. God made sure all the patriarchs and prophets were tempted. He also provided a way for them to choose holiness and righteousness. Overcoming temptation strengthens us spiritually. It's an important part of growing in our relationship with Him.

It's been times of temptation or calling to seemingly impossible, usually when I'm totally overwhelmed with my circumstances that I argue with my Creator most. Like Moses, I don't think enough of myself to be able to overcome my own insecurities to do what the Lord calls me to sometimes. That first step in any "leap of faith" tends to be a doozy and I really whine and fuss about it. I'm so grateful He is so patient with me.

Through it all, in spite of myself, I choose to praise the Lord. It's a choice I have to make every single day about everything in my life. I may still fuss a little. I may even argue, "I can't" or "I don't want to do that!" But in the end I know He knows best and will help me succeed.
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My friend Katie Hornor is working on a new project, a book called In Spite of Myself. I'm looking forward to posting a review later this fall. Katie and her husband are missionaries in Mexico. She's written several books including Putting on the Spirit: Ten-Minute Devotions for Busy Moms which I've reviewed and suggest for every new mommy to read.

Have you had a difficult time lately? Have you found yourself not feeling like praising? I encourage you to be intentional about choosing praise. I'm making a commitment right now.  Join me on Instagram as #IChoosePraise this fall.

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