The Unexpected Power of Praise (Daily Reflections on Ps. 108:1-5)

My cousin died of pancreatic cancer when she was in her twenties. She was still a newly wed with a young baby. Her life was just really beginning when she received the diagnosis. The disease and the treatments took their toll on her body and I will never forget how aged she looked when she passed. It was a painful decline for her but her steadfastness in her faith and praise for God never wavered. 

Her pain at times was so great that prescription medications would not quell it. In those moments of greatest discomfort, she would close the doors to her room, crank up the volume to her favorite praise music, sing her lungs out and envelop herself in the praise of God. Losing herself in celebration to her Lord and Savior in full surrender and adoration dissipated the agonizing pain and filled her soul with joy.

Her cancer called her to proclaim her love for God even louder. She was able to give testimony of her faith to schools and church groups. A local popular radio station in the Chicagoland area brought her in for an extended live interview which impacted the lives of thousands. Not only did shouts of praise relieve her own pain, it shown glory on God in her life testimony.

There is something about praising God and giving Him glory that changes me. I can't say that I've lost myself in praise at home like Marci did to alleviate pain. But I have found myself in a gathering of other believers entranced in the praise of God and worship. In those moments, I've noticed that all else fades from my mind. I'm singly focused on God and His glory. I'm overwhelmed at the sensation of His presence in my life. I have no cares, no concerns, no problems. I actually feel more alive than at any other time. I've often wondered if this was a glimpse of heaven.

David expresses similar views in Psalm 108. He talks about the steadfastness of his own heart as he praises and makes music with all his soul to God. You begin to sense his own feelings of assurance and invincibility as wraps himself in the praise of God. He is overwhelmed by the glory of God and proclaims in open, rich exaltation. It's as if his consciousness becomes intertwined with God. Problems dissipate. Life challenges wane. Confidence blooms. Countenance explodes in joy.

Perhaps that's the key to pressing on through life. Instead of wallowing in the gloom of life and circumstance, that we celebrate life in God through praise and adoration, that we keep our eyes fixed heavenward on the glory of God. When the cloud of doom presents itself, we stop and break into songs of exultation acknowledging the power and majesty of God. 

Your love, oh Lord, is higher the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies! Be exalted, O God, above the heaves; let Your glory be over all the earth. That's my prayer.

Daily Reflections on Esther 2:19-23 (Back Stabbing)

Ever been stabbed in the back by people you trusted? Not a great feeling. I've lamented with pastoral friends and others about the amount of time and energy invested with people caring for them, comforting them only to have them turn against you and make your life a living hell. Unfortunately, it happens a lot in ministry.

But it happens a lot in life. When I was in youth ministry, it seemed like I dealt with one teen girl stabbing another teen girl in the back on a daily basis. I learned that there is actually an art to back stabbing another teen girl. What's funny is that the stabber always thinks the stabbee had it coming, so there's no remorse.

Back stabbing isn't just a teenage girl phase. It's a part of life in a selfish culture. It's a form of vengeance. We've declared ourselves judge, jury, and executioner. We don't get mad, we get even or worse. It's a form of getting ahead or placing ourselves in a more enviable position with peers, co-workers, or bosses. But it is still selfishness, doing whatever to get what we want.

But what if you're not the stabber or the stabbee, but you know the stabbing is about to take place? That's the position Esther was in as you read this passage. What do you do? You could sit back and watch the deed played out just staying out of it. You could confront the potential stabber which could draw a flesh wound and make you an enemy. You could warn the potential stabbee it was coming and risk ostracization by everyone. Tough spot.

If you knew it was coming, I'd want to know. If I could stop a blood bath, I'd try. If I was about to hurt someone in a surprise attack, I would want someone to stop me. Back stabbing is a nasty sport that ruins lives, friendships, and reputations.

It has to stop among God's people. It's embarrassing to the church and Christianity. It's destroying churches, people, and hurting the cause of Christ. The Bible says to mark those who cause division. Back stabbers are division causers and should be treated as such. Cancer is not allowed to stay in the body. It's either cut out or irradiated. Not pleasant, but necessary for the body to survive.

God, like Esther, I want be on the King's side. I want to do whatever benefits your Kingdom. I want to protect the King and His Kingdom. Give me wisdom and boldness and grace when I need it to stand up for you.