DEVOTIONAL: “Can You Praise Under Pressure?!”

List of Helpful Scriptures:

* Jeremiah 17:14 * Psalm 118:23 * Hebrews 13:15 * Psalm 117:1-2 * Psalm 100:4
* 1 Peter 1:7 * James 1:3 * James 2:17

How many of us are dealing with a certain situation right now and we just don't see a viable solution? How many have lost their livelihood and feel zombie-like when it comes to their faith? How many of you feel as if God has forgotten you? Well I come to encourage & let you know that you are not alone, but it feels as if the walls are closing in from every side making it difficult to know if God even knows your name. One thing you must remember is that the enemy will attack when you are most vulnerable, and it's not that God doesn't see or hear you in distress, but it's a similar concept that was exhibited in the movie "Ray" (based on the life of legendary music great Ray Charles); as a young boy Ray was trying to cope with the fact that he had completely lost his sight and was declared legally blind. He was running though the house and tripped, as much as he cried out & yelled for his mother's help [and as reluctant as she was] she chose not to wrap her baby in her loving arms, she realized that if she continued to rescue him immediately everytime he got into a troublesome situation he would never learn the lessons she needed him to. When he sensed she wasn't coming he began to listen to his surroundings to guide himself along the way.
Well, similarly, we may walk into situations blindly (due to choices or connections) & when they become detrimental or toxic, we automatically want God to come to our rescue. When He doesn't show up according to our timeframe (and not His), we start to doubt in the words we've spoken during our prayer & meditation times. The enemy lies in wait for any opportunity to infiltrate our mind, heart, & spirit to try and convince us even more that God is fed up with our sinning behaviors and lied about never forsaking us.
This, in the words of my pastor, is considered to be your "tight place"; but what did Paul & Silas do that enabled the chains & shackles to be loosed & broken?! EXACTLY!! They sang, danced, prayed, and PRAISED their way out!!
God needs to know that we trust Him enough to work it out, but in doing so we won't get discouraged and give up on Him and as a result, blocking or denying ourselves of the Blessings He has already lined up for us. You have to know that it's not enough to just praise God when He blesses you with good things, but you should be praising to unlock the doors to that turnaround you're expecting. As a matter of fact, your praise should exceed your level of expectation to the point you are thanking God as if it has already come to pass. You should get joy when you think about all God has done for you because it's an indication the HE IS ABLE!! Learn to live through it and praise as you go, because all that you need and seek is on the other side of through.
Lastly, I would like to say that even if God doesn't perform that which you seek, He may very well be protecting you for what's ahead, but still be grateful in knowing that He's technically already done enough!! Praise is your weapon, so now go use it!!!!

***Say This Prayer: ***

Revive me oh God! Give me an audible praise throughout my silent struggle. Bring restoration of joy & jubilee to my heart & spirit. Reassure me that I am not alone, that I don't have to keep walking around just functioning & not really operating in my gift or purpose you've predestined for me. Show me the way to praise in my purpose... ON PURPOSE!! I'll be so careful to give Your name THE PRAISE, all Glory & honor belong to thee forever & always! #Amen