How can I praise HIM?

 Praising GOD in abundance is so easy. It makes sense.

The real testament of our faith is praising GOD while walking thru the valley of death. And that is so hard. They are prayerful praises. Valley of death - the time we see ourselves in midst of so many unknowns with real pain in being, sorrow in heart, worry weighing us so down. The things that can come easy to us at that time are tears, self-pity, frustration, depression, pleas, and prayers. If we are a believer, we would make prayers like David

Psalm 13:1-6 

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

 But then David is also the one who praised GOD when his enemies are behind for his life. The anointed King of Israel was living in hiding. He was anointed by a prophet. He had won over the Philistine Goliath by his faith in GOD of Israel and here he is in hiding. He has a track record of victory in El Shaddai and yet what he sees is dark smelly caves for bed.

 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” – Psalm 40:3

 “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;” – Psalm 98:4

 “My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” - Psalm 145:19

 “I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” – Psalm 146:2

 “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD”. – Psalm 150:6

 Praising at that moment needs strength and power from GOD. Like Jesus said in John 15:5 we cannot do anything, absolutely anyting including praises without HIS help.

 

John 15:5 

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

So, today you might be in a place where your tongues are tied and spirit is damp by the sight of your stressful/tiring life. Come! Let us cheer up! Let us call out to HIM. Even if it is a squeaky meek voice, let us ask GOD thru Jesus Christ that we need HIS strength, power, wisdom to praise HIM in all the circumstances.

 Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me