‘Praise Ushers in Peace”
By Dianne Prince
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1 KJV).
I received some disturbing news about someone in my inner circle. My heart sank, and my mind began racing with questions—how, why, what, when, and under what circumstances. I felt my spirit sinking into deep concern and anxiety about the outcome.
As I was driving, I remembered that praise had kept me spiritually strong in the past. With that reminder from the Holy Spirit, I began to bless the Lord by repeating the 23rd Psalm. After reciting it several times, the load lightened, and the concern lifted. Scripture ushered me into a state of joy and thanksgiving. Was I happy about the news? No. But was my spirit grateful for the things I often take for granted? Yes. Did my mind settle, and did my spirit calm? Yes. Did I receive assurance from heaven that this too shall pass and all will turn out well because God is in control? Yes.
With a calm mind and a settled spirit, I was able to focus on praying for the person who had fallen. I reached out to her to offer my support. Thank God for His calming words in the 23rd Psalm, for His guiding hand, and for His immediate response to my praise. There is power in praise.
Here’s your reminder for today: Praise is a sure way to defeat anxiety and regain your footing after being blindsided by bad news. Praise signifies that there is joy in your heart “in spite of.” It tells God you are thankful to be alive, grateful for His presence, dependent on Him to see you through, and trusting Him with the outcome of your most difficult problems.
Praise pleases God and it activates His hand.
