Show and Tell (11): Unusual Praise
Key Texts: John 17; Psalm 107; Psalm 9: 1 – 10; Luke 22: 39 – 46
Additional Texts: Psalm 136; Psalm 34; Proverbs 3: 5 – 6; 1 Thessalonians 5: 18
Previous Entries Linked to this Topic: See the entries in the series ‘Nuggets from Job’.
At the time of writing, there has been confirmation of 28 deaths related to Hurricane Melissa (in Jamaica). Other Caribbean islands have been impacted too, and the sheer loss, pain and displacement are unfathomable. I’m grateful that my loved ones survived such a horrific experience, but I’m equally concerned that I’ve not heard from some friends yet. If you’ve been affected by this particular storm in any way, I pray you will find comfort and that you will be able to rebuild eventually, in spite of how daunting it seems. If physical hurricanes are foreign to you, (give thanks for that – I’ve experienced a few and all were unpleasant!), perhaps you are facing another type of storm, or you’ve survived extenuating circumstances. Either way, (whether through sympathy or empathy), we are all capable of understanding others’ pain, and doing our best to help them if possible; there is no need to compare circumstances, belittle others’ suffering or judge how they grieve in their lowest moments. Express Christlike concern instead.
The ‘Show and Tell’ series has explored lessons from Jesus’ life, whether through His actions, candid speech, or other explicit demonstrations of His deity. This entry focuses on what we might learn from Jesus through His continued honour of God in His lowest moments on earth, as He faced the reality of the imminence of betrayal, the cross and ultimate feelings of abandonment by His Father as He bore chastisement to enact Redemption. He demonstrates the possibility of honouring and glorifying God when faced with gruelling storms.
When we endure storms, it is sometimes hard to maintain a posture of praise; challenges can feel incredibly overwhelming! It is therefore unreasonable to assume that people have no faith or relationship with God when they endure such seasons – I wrote in the series ‘Nuggets from Job’ about the importance of being sincerely supportive when we witness others’ suffering. We are aware that sometimes trouble causes some to lose faith (in more extreme cases), but feeling overwhelmed does not mean you’re unfaithful to God.
This is why I’m (and I’m sure many of you are as well!), encouraged to hear testimonies of people who glorify God in the middle of their suffering. It is plausible and indeed easier to praise God when challenges are minimal, or when we call out to Him in times of distress and He delivers, (for example – from darkness, suffering, storms, affliction and the like as seen in Psalm 107 or Psalm 34), but praise and gratitude may also resound when darkness pervades and we await deliverance.
I’ve watched countless news reports about Hurricane Melissa, but the most outstanding to me was an interview of a woman in the coastal town of Black River, Jamaica, who had lost her roof and many possessions. She is now homeless, has no food or independence, and also has no access to communication or finances (or business places to spend such money). Despite these harsh realities and the uncertainty about her future, after describing the ordeal, she vehemently thanked God for mercy and life. Standing in mud – the residue of the storm. Clothed in her only outfit perhaps. No other possessions besides a thin rucksack. Unusual praise. Let that marinate for a minute.
In a similar way, in John’s and Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane/at the Mount of Olives prior to the crucifixion, Jesus agonised about His future, but in the midst of this, also considered and prayed for His disciples and those, in the future, who would accept His message through their teaching. A posture of praise (honour and adoration to God) was demonstrated as He pleaded for God to save Him from suffering, but acknowledged that above all, He wanted His will to be done. Unusual praise. He could have opted out, but chose to honour God by submitting to Him.
We may assume that Jesus took this approach because He is God, or because He knew that as certain as the crucifixion, so was the Resurrection and Ascension. Ultimately, He exercised trust in His Father’s sovereignty and remembered the promise of restored glory after the Resurrection; He exercised the hope He encourages us to have whether circumstances are favourable, or the storms rage (John 14; John 16: 14 – 16, 27-28 and 33). Before the Crucifixion and indeed throughout His time on earth, Jesus’ confidence in His identity, relationship with God and hope for the future enabled Him to offer such outlandish praise in these and other moments – praise despite painful, life-threatening and unfavourable circumstances.
Can we honestly say we always feel hopeful when we face storms? Are you as hopeful as the woman whose interview I watched? Have you, like me, watched your hope sometimes threaten to buckle when storms rage? The good news is, though we don’t always understand why God allows suffering, we can find assurance, as Jesus did, in His omniscience, ultimate control of our situations, and unfailing promises. As God fulfilled every promise about Jesus (Philippians 2: 9 – 11), He will fulfil His promises about you (Philippians 1: 6; Galatians 6: 9; Jeremiah 1: 12). We don’t live in bubbles and we don’t deny reality; even when we trust Jesus as our Saviour – for most of us, storms are disruptive, frightening and often unsettling even after they’ve passed. Despite this reality, whether your praise comes when you’re delivered or during the turmoil and chaos, God deserves praise, and is merciful and compassionate to love us even when our praise is slow in coming as we reel from the impact of storms (Isaiah 54: 8; Titus 3: 4 – 7). You may be angered to hear someone declare that God loves you despite your challenges – you are not alone. I still need to develop consistency in praise when times are tough. For many – like me, sanctification is a process and not a completed event on accepting Jesus; it takes time and perseverance with God’s help to be like Jesus, including offering praises from a valley. If you’re unable to praise God at the moment because of your suffering, I pray that He will cause the storms to subside and/or allow you to find moments to praise and thank Him despite your desperation for immediate change.
During storms, you may struggle in your faith. You may ask hard questions, such as ‘Where is God in this?’ or ‘Why would God allow this to happen?’. I’ve been there! There is no precise formula to overcome such moments in a heartbeat, but glimpses of hope are encouraging. Hope comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10: 17). Thankfully, God allowed me to still seek and hear His Word (through reading, Christian fellowship, music and other audio resources), when I experienced (my most distressing trials) in recent years. I’m a living witness that these, and the encouragement of loved ones helped me immensely. Gratitude to God for any blessings in the present, past or future also rejuvenates hope; think about His goodness and thank Him. It takes the focus from you and your concerns, and elevates Him above all. Continue to ask God questions (as I mentioned in ‘Nuggets from Job); some communication with God always supersedes none! Keep the lines open. Cry. Seek Him. He didn’t give up on me when my unusual praise was slow in coming, and given His consistent character, He won’t give up on you either. He is able to help you to grow to be one who is able to offer unusual praise – praise from a place filled with questions, anger (at God too!) and tension. He can handle it and ultimately use it for His glory.
Today, if all you can muster is a few seconds, a minute or five, talk to God about your storms, or the troubles your loved ones face – He hears.
Heartfelt Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercies, even when they don’t appear in the forms and timing that I’d prefer. Watching others suffer and facing my own storms is difficult. Help me to maintain hope, and enable me to praise You wholeheartedly regardless of circumstances. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
