Praise the Lord… in all things

Do you know there is wondrous power in praise, in giving thanks to God?

A few years ago, I called a dear friend of mine Ruth on the telephone. Confiding in her about an ongoing situation that I had been facing, she listened carefully to my dilemma.

Then tenderly, she said, “Catherine, Praise the Lord.”

I paused for a moment and asked, “What did you say?”

Ruth went on to remind me that in the Bible it says to give thanks in all things, so regardless of the difficulties, we must focus on thankfulness and… “Praise the Lord.”

“Catherine,” Ruth said in her elegant, melodic voice, “the Lord loves you, He hears your prayers and He’s preparing the ground for you. Sometimes, it takes time for Him to set the direction.”

Knowing exactly what she meant, I replied, “Thank you, Ruth; I really needed to hear those words today.”

“You are in our prayers, dear,” and again, Ruth repeated, “just ‘Praise the Lord’ no matter what! That’s a wonderful answer to all things…”

You have a destiny to keep, and you were created to make something wonderful of your life. God has given you special gifts and expects to you express yourself with them. So do not surrender or uproot the beautiful dream you have for your future, by allowing negativity of others, adversity or circumstances of the past to drag you down. Proceed with faith, unwavering, toward the goal, and… “Praise the Lord!”

In my own life, I decided to take Ruth’s advice and Praise the Lord despite conditions out of my control.

I walked around the house saying, “Thank you, Lord, for the blessings that are just ahead,” “God, I praise you, for turning the tide of the battle,” and “praise the Lord, you are my strength and my shield.” And as I praised, I acted ‘as if’ God already answered my requests. Express gratitude to God as if He has already brought your dreams to pass. And as you express your belief and gratitude, He will respond in miraculous ways.

One morning, as I was folding the clothes, I uttered, “Praise the Lord.” I guess I must say that often without realizing it, for my daughter questioned, “Mommy, why do you say that?”

“Because,” I replied, “as I praise God, He gives me the strength to do all the things I have to do.”

So on and on, I praised. When situations were going right or when things were in an upheaval, I would call out, “Praise the Lord, for He is good. I praise you, Lord, and believe you are making a way for me.” And, “praise the Lord for your mercy and kindness.”

And you know what? A change in my attitude occurred almost at once. Each time a disparaging thought would come to mind, and I would erase it with ‘Praise.’ For I learned, praise does pave the way for victory.

This is what a business executive did when he was diagnosed with a major health issue. He affirmed to himself, “I may not know what to do, but I am at peace and full of hope, because I know the One who does.” He did not allow circumstances to dictate his joy.

Thus, he did his part by putting positive action behind his faith. He didn’t look backwards; he continued looking forward, making future plans, anticipating a full recovery, and expecting God to work mightily in his life. Each morning, he would pray and declared aloud, “I am strong in the Lord,” “I will get well,” and “thank you, Lord for all of my blessings.”

And, in time, the business executive did make a full recovery.

When we call, God hears us. And He has promised to walk with us through everything, helping to carry our burdens. Situations may look impossible; but with God, all things are possible.

Accordingly, let’s get our words and thoughts going in the right direction and “Praise the Lord!” Do not be defeated even if a situation seems insurmountable. I have found the darker it gets, the closer you are to the light of your success, hence do not turn back or give up. We must try not to pay attention to the negative side of conditions or complain. Instead, let us put on an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving. Pray, employ patience and, “Praise the Lord!”

Difficult situations may not always be immediately removed from us; however we have a choice to have faith in

“Difficult situations may not always be immediately removed from us; however we have a choice to have faith in God no matter what. Let us rise above the upheavals of life and put all burdens in God’s almighty hand, trusting Him, in His time, to triumphantly work out any predicament.” — Catherine Galasso Vigorito

God no matter what. Let us rise above the upheavals of life and put all burdens in God’s almighty hand, trusting Him, in His time, to triumphantly work out any predicament.

Let’s give God praise and take inventory of all our great blessings. And allow His miraculous, transforming power to work in our lives.

“Praise the Lord” and He will be with you always. “Praise the Lord” and He will make all things right. “Praise the Lord” and you will march to victory.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving week, as we all ‘Praise the Lord!’