Defiant Praise

In the span of merely a week, I have had the solemn privilege of hearing some of the hardships facing those I love: concern over being able to feed one’s family for lack of financial resources, job changes and layoffs, life-altering diagnoses, far-flung ramifications of untimely deaths, and children in the direst of circumstances—emotionally, spiritually and physically.

“In this world [we] will have trouble…” (John 16:33 ESV)

Indeed, we will have trouble. Of this we are acutely, painfully aware. Jesus’ message to us is that we will never be alone in our tribulations, and that the victory is won, even if we only see it in heaven. I do find genuine comfort in that. As I try to bear up under the challenges facing my own household, while seeking to support and bless those around me in the midst of their hardships, I get hung up on how to live vibrantly, faithfully, and fully—here and now —in the face of those struggles. Without Christian platitudes.

Three simple letters hold the key.

I was entreated by a simple three-letter word in Habakkuk’s prayer: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

Yet.

The prophet was burdened and fearful, and perplexed by God’s perceived will. But he was moved from fear to faith through praise. Undaunted, tenacious praise. His praise for God flew in the face of his circumstances. It boldly proclaimed his faith would not be shaken. Choosing to rejoice in God in the midst of his circumstances girded him to stand firmly.

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” I needed that simple word this week. It urged me to do what I felt unable to do: to praise God. When I am paralyzed of praise, laboring to utter any blessing back to the Lord, I am invited to use those penned by the psalmists. Their words siphon out of me the knowledge of God’s goodness that had been previously squelched by fear and frustration, confusion and concern; they draw a boundary no fear dare cross.

No matter the circumstance: God is sovereign and good.
No matter the sin: Jesus paid the price.
No matter the need: God is powerful and able.
No matter what this life brings: Jesus has overcome the world.

The burdens are many and heavy. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will offer undaunted praise, in spite of all the pain I see and feel. Will you?

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Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
—Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV

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Recommended reading:
Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Related music:
Check out Matt Redman’s “Blessed be Your Name”