Praise through the Pain
Psalm 69:29-33
But as for me – poor and in pain – let Your salvation protect me, God. I will praise God’s name with song and exalt Him with thanksgiving. That will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves. The humble will see it and rejoice. You who seek God, take heart. For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His own who are prisoners.
David knew to cry out to God when he was in pain. Here we find a broken spirit that desperately seeks God. In the midst of His pain, he determined to praise God and thank Him for what He had done for him in the past. Remembering God’s faithfulness will increase our faith to trust Him in our current crises.
More than sacrifice or works, God desires praise from us when we are hurting. He is more pleased with a sacrifice of praise than with an earthly sacrifice because it comes from a heart that chooses to trust Him. Praise reminds us who He is and focuses our attention on Him, rather than the problem at hand. Through praise, we magnify Him and make Him greater than our issues.
Those who seek God can take heart and be encouraged because He listens to the down trodden and does not despise their lowly condition. While others may turn away from us or avoid us, God has compassion for those who are hurting and comes to their aid.
Verse 35 of this Psalm tells us that God wants to save Zion. His desire is to rebuild the wrecked towns of Judah, which means, “praise.” Restoration of the hurting – the rebuilding process – begins with praise. Praise Him today, especially if you are in the midst of pain and suffering. God sees your condition, has compassion on your need, and desires to restore you. Rejoice in the God who builds you up and never tears you down. May His praise arise in your hearts, and may His enemies scatter in your life. Trust the One who claims you for His very own and created you with great purpose. Make His name great, and experience His full salvation.
Have a blessed day!