Will you praise Him?

"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:12

While listening to the sermon at church this morning, I thought of the movie "Facing the Giants." The main character decides to do things a little differently with his football team. He decides that no matter what, they will praise God. Whether win or loss, they will praise Him. This new outlook also carries over into his personal life and he and his wife have tried, without success, to have a child, and face financial problems. I love the scenes in the movie when, faced with opposition, the characters still praise. It is beautiful, inspiring, and extraordinary.

I began thinking of times in my life when I have had the same attitude and focus, and times when I have taken a bit longer to lift my hands in praise. Even in the face of extreme trauma, God proved himself to be worthy, to be good, and to be unfailing. Just because my human eyes cannot understand and grasp the way life unfolds on this earth, does not mean God is not still working. I have never walked the streets of Heaven, yet I know they exist. I know that everything on this earth serves a purpose, even if it is to break my heart and draw me closer to Him. I don't know why He chooses to allow some things to occur, but He did allow people to choose. "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15.

For me, I do not have to comprehend the "why" because I already know the "who." It is easy to praise God when I know that it is not about me, it is not about receiving accolades and awards, and pats on the back. It is about doing the work of my Father. And when this world is uncomfortable, and I find it unjust, it only strengthens my yearning for Heaven, the permanent place by my Father's throne.

Besides, It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " Romans 14:11 I figure it is easier to start now.