Praise Gets me Through the Day

Floyd has had some rough days.  I hate knowing he is suffering.  It always weighs heavy on my heart.  I'm grateful for his loving, caring doctor.  Together, we try to think of everything we can do to make Floyd comfortable.  I continue to pray for healing or heaven for him.

I was recently reminded of something that took place many years ago when we lived in the Dutch countryside while pioneering a training, discipling, and rehab center.  It was a beautiful area for our children to play.  One of the properties bordered a forest.  The children were told to play on our grounds, but not to go into the forest because they might get lost.

One day two of the children decided they wanted to see what was in the forest.  It wasn't long before they were lost and didn't know how to find their way out.  An old lady came along who said she lived in the forest, and she told them how to get back to where they came from.  When they told their parents what had happened, they said "no one lives in the forest!"  Of course we think an "old lady" angel helped them find their way! 

I had forgotten about this.  When I was reminded of it recently, I couldn't help but wonder how many times angels have helped us in various ways without our being aware of it!  I think it's probably been lots of times - for all of us.  We just don't realize that God is sending angels to watch over us.  We've probably even seen angels, but didn't know what we were seeing. :) 

Once on an outreach some vicious guard dogs were running towards us ready to attack.  All we could do was stand still and pray.  The dogs ran right up to us, then turned and ran off - never touching or harming us.  God had put some kind of protective shield around us to protect us.  Many people came to the Lord that day as we shared the Gospel.  God had a plan for those dear people and wasn't going to let some dogs get in the way!

Another time Floyd was speaking in a church.  A lady asked why Floyd travelled with a security guard.  She had seen a tall man standing guard behind Floyd as he spoke.  Floyd has never hired a security guard even though there were times he might have wished he had one - especially when we lived and worked in the red light district in Amsterdam.  His life was regularly threatened in those days.  Why there was an angel with Floyd in that church we'll never know!

I'm so grateful for the Lord's protection - in whatever way He sends it.  I'm sure He has protected us in countless ways on our unexpected journey these last few years.  And I know He is with each of you.  I'm so very grateful for His watchcare, and, yes, for angels when He sends them our way.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"  Hebrews 1:14

"He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."  Psalm 91:11

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2 

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them."  Psalm 34:7 

"Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared."  Exodus 23:20

I often pray for angels to keep Floyd company in this season when we can't visit him.  I pray for ministering angels to help him in his suffering.  And I pray for angels to keep us safe from all harm and danger.

I pray for angels to be with each of you - to guard you, protect you, and encourage you!  Maybe He'll even let you see them. :)

Praise is what gets me through each day!  On days when my strength is lagging, I speak out gratitude that He is my strength in weakness.  When sadness makes my heart heavy over Floyd's situation, I rejoice in God's goodness and faithfulness, and thank Him that His grace is sufficient for every need, even Floyd's needs!  When it's hard to keep persevering, I thank Him that He has won the victory over everything I'm facing and that He will help me.  When physical aches and pains poke their heads up, I thank the Lord for His healing touch.  He has relieved my pain over and over again!  We "live and move and have our being" in Him - and powerfully so as we worship Him.

I know I've shared about it before, but I have been reminded again so significantly how important it is to praise the Lord - even when we don't feel like it.....especially when we don't feel like it!  When I am struggling in some way I need to choose to speak out praise and worship......then something happens!!  The burden gets lighter.  The weights are lifted from my heart.  My emotions turn to joy.  My mind can think clearer.  Praise to our Lord is an awesome gift and tool that God has given us.  He deserves the praise - but He uses it to turn around to bless and help us!

Heaviness, worry, discouragement, and sadness disappear in the face of worship.  The joy that comes in worship begins to flood over us as we worship!  We're instructed in the Word to worship - because God is worthy and deserves our worship.  But He knew it would be for our good too!  The radiance of His presence, of who He is, shines through the worship into the depths of our souls. 

" 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.' "  Acts 17:28

"I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."  Psalm 59:16

"In your name they rejoice all day long, and in your righteousness they are exalted."  Psalm 89:16

"I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

I've always been aware of the power of worship - especially in our time in Afghanistan and in the Red Light District in Amsterdam, but I've learned a new aspect of it, a new depth of its power, during these years on our unexpected journey.  In the midst of physical and emotional suffering I've been so grateful for the ministry and power of worship!  It's a gift to us from the Father.