Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).
Matthew 28:20 (AMPC)
When good things happen to us, praise comes naturally. It’s easy to lift our hands and our voices when God answers our prayers and delivers us from problems. But what about when things go wrong? What do we do when we’re sick, lose a job, or face criticism from others?
The negative response is to take the attitude of Job’s wife, who was so overwhelmed by the loss of their children and possessions that she told her husband: Renounce God and die! (Job 2:9 AMP). But Job answered with great wisdom: You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept [only] good at the hand of God and shall we not accept [also] misfortune and what is of a bad nature? (Job 2:10 AMP). Job understood that living righteously doesn’t guarantee a life free from challenges.
The positive response is to praise God despite what’s going on in our lives. It may take effort, but if we can turn our eyes away from our immediate problems, we can find something that is good. We also can rejoice because God has faithfully taken us through the turmoil of the past, and we can trust that He’ll do the same again.
Prayer of the Day: God, thank You for Your Word, which promises that You are with me always and on every occasion. Help me praise You in both good and challenging times. May my attitude reflect trust in You, amen.
