One True God: A Devotional From Influence MusicSample

Song: "I’m Gonna Praise"

Artist: Zach Johnson

“All that stood between us your mercy has erased.”

Sometimes life gives us messy moments. Moments when things are uncertain, faith seems like a distant relative, and fear is a close friend. These are the moments when we are called as followers in Christ to press in and access the fullness of God’s promise to us. These are the moments where even though it feels like God is far away, He’s actually closer than He’s ever been. But how do we access this closeness…one word: praise.

Psalm 40:2-3 says, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit…He set my feet on a rock…He put a new song in my mouth." That is exactly what praising in the hard seasons does…it pulls you out and brings you in.

The reality here is that even though it seems like God is distant, when we surrender our praise, He draws close. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us there isn’t anything, not fear, not anxiety, not pain, that can separate us from the love of God. Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us, "...because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

Now I’m not saying you need to choose to ignore your hardships, but what I am saying, from experience, is that when you turn your sole focus away from what you lack and onto what you have in abundance (Christ’s love and mercy), you experience the fullness of God’s promises.

Reflection Question:

When faced with moments of fear and uncertainty in your walk with the Lord, what’s your typical response? If that response isn’t a heart posture of praise, then what could praising God in those situations do for you?

Prayer:

Jesus, I surrender my praise to You. In the ecstatic mountain tops high and the challenging valley lows, You have my surrender. Teach me to worship You no matter the situation, and teach me to walk in the fullness of Your love and mercy. Amen.