Saturday, November 23, 2013

Sometimes Life Isn't Very Happy...


Sometimes
... life isn't very happy
... things don't work out the way you want them to
... the world seems to spin out of control
... finances are a struggle
... loved ones are straying
... illness prevails
... prayers seem to go unanswered
... loved ones pass on
... your children are prodigals
...
...
...
.... You could fill in the blank spaces with any number of things.  But God.

God is still on the throne.  God is still in control.  God still loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins.  He loves us so much that He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us.  I don't know all the answers, but I know this.

No matter what I see, 
no matter what I hear, 
no matter what I feel, 
I will yet praise Him.

There is No One else.
No One else to turn to.
No other god is truly God.
My loved ones are safe in His care.
I will continue to pray for them.
I choose to trust Him.
I choose peace.

I praise God in my pain.
I praise God in my sadness.
I praise God in hope.
I praise God in love 
because
He is Love.
Praise the Lord.

Maybe this is not a happy time for you.  Praise God.  Choose to praise Him regardless of your circumstances, regardless of your pain.  I call it defiant praise.  We are defying Satan when we praise God through our pain.  God is glorified, and He takes notice.  

May you draw close to God.  He promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him. James 4:8
I do pray that you will find peace and happiness in God's presence.

God bless you all.
Laura

20 comments:

  1. Thank you for this awesome reminder, Laura. This is the way I live my life and I've been through some stuff. There will no doubt be more. Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. Thanks so much Miss Sarah. Your prayers to God's ears.
    Laura

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  3. Debby, I was reminding myself, too.

    God bless!

    Laura


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  4. Defiant praise. Awesome. The little rebel in me can finally have permission. That might be the positive side of stubborn. Thank you for the word picture.

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  5. Hi Cheryl,
    Yes, there's a bit of defiance in me, too. This channels it in the right direction!
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  6. We wouldn't learn a thing if life was perfect all the time! Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours! Hugs!!

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  7. I am so sorry for your loss. You were so blessed to have her in your life and for her to have you. You are a better person for it. God places people in our lives and gives us the family we have for a reason. But we have such a HOPE that we will see our loved ones again.
    I've been a follower for a bit, but not sure if I've left a comment. I just wanted to offer my condolences.
    May you experience God in ways you haven't before.
    Blessings, Diane

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  8. You are so right, Tina. May God help you find happiness in His Holy Spirit.
    Laura

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  9. Thank you, Diane, for your comforting words.
    Thanksgiving blessings to you,
    Laura

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  10. Thank you, Sue. I know you're right. Learning isn't always fun, is it?
    Blessings to you and your family from our Lord Jesus Christ this Thanksgiving season!
    Laura

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  11. Defiant Praise - I really like that!
    I always have such a hard time praising Him in the storm, and when I look back on all the times He's been right by me, it makes it so much easier.

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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  12. You're so right Ty. The harder it is to praise, the more important and the more costly praise is.
    Blessings to you!
    Laura

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  13. Thank you for this beautiful post, Laura!

    What you wrote is so true and a comfort that no matter what we are going through, God is still in control and He is faithful to not only work all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8: 28), but He also uses our trials, hardship, and difficulty to build our character, trust in Him, and for our growth, benefit, and His glory.

    Everyone, please check out my blog which has articles on a number of subjects including: "Trials and Hardship", "Self Esteem", "Self-Injury", "God's word", "Purity", and "Is Jesus the Only Way?"

    http://www.babypinkroses.blogspot.com/

    I am also having a giveaway for the month of December which people can sign up for until December 16th and I will announce the winner the following day. You may read about it here:

    http://babypinkroses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

    Thank you again Laura!

    ♥ Emma Joy

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  14. Hi Emma Joy,

    I thank you for your heart to help ladies face the hard subjects directly. You've a gift for writing and great insight from the Lord for a lady so young.

    Happy Advent, Laura

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  15. I love this post! You're so right. Often we have to just CHOOSE to go against our feelings and doubts and choose what we know is true.

    Thank you for participating in Faithful Fridays! :)

    God bless,
    Joy :)

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  16. Hi Joy,
    Thank you for writing back. God is bringing a sort of contentment and acceptance as time goes on. I think joy's coming.
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  17. I like that "... defiant praise. We are defying Satan when we praise God through our pain." As Job said, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

    Thanks for the reminder to praise Him in all circumstances. I'm visiting from "Good Morning Mondays." Have a great week in the Lord. Donna.

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God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor