For some of us we have a harder time acknowledging God in the good times but we cry out to God readily in tough times. Others of us, lean the other way – feeling like if everything’s going right in our lives we must be in tune to what God is calling us to do. I definitely find myself pulled in one direction or the other, but I remind myself of Paul’s words in Philippians and Thessalonians. In Philippians 4:11-13 it says, “Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
It reminds me of the song Praise the Lord from The City Harmonic’s just released album Heart. The lyrics and the link to the song are below.
It reminds me of the ordination question, “How do you interpret the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord?”” So I pulled out my ordination paperwork and perused the answers that I wrote in 2004 and 2007. I wrote this in 2007 as I went before the Board for my Elder’s orders, “Jesus is (past, present, and future) our Lord. He is the Lord.” I go on to write, “In confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, I am affirming that Jesus Christ won the ultimate victory over sin and death. Nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer.”
I like the images of seeming contradiction of being on top of the world and the world on your shoulders.
So what do you think? Is it easier for us to see God at work in the good times or the bad? Do we feel closer to God in our turning towards God after we’ve been through things? Is it easy to see God at work in our lives? Or a challenge at times? No matter where you find yourself on your journey, I hope you will wrestle with these questions. And that God will give you real, tangible signs that help you to praise the Lord!
The City Harmonic – Praise the Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50e4vTAexMM
Praise the Lord when it comes out easy
Praise the Lord on top of the world
Praise the Lord ‘cause in every moment Jesus Christ is Lord
Even in the middle of the joys of life
There is always grace enough today to
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Won’t you praise the Lord?
Praise the Lord with the world on your shoulders
Praise the Lord when it seems too hard
Praise the Lord ‘cause in every moment Jesus Christ is Lord
Even in the middle of the long, dark night
There is always grace enough today to
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Won’t you praise the Lord?
Praise the Lord if you can sing it at the top of your lungs
Praise the Lord like every moment is a song to be sung
Praise the Lord: though it might take blood, sweat and tears in your eyes
There is grace for today so praise the Lord
There is grace for today so praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Won’t you praise the Lord?
There is grace for today so praise the Lord
Two More Awesome Songs by The City Harmonic:
The City Harmonic – Mountaintop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUYAqH2yRqQ
The City Harmonic – Spark
Blessings on the Journey 
Love these songs, especially the “Mountaintop”. It seeps into your very soul! But then I have always loved the mountains.. I go to the mountains to become centered again. Thank you for sharing all these words. “I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.”
It’s a very astute observation to say that most people seem to lean one way or the other. Perhaps that is a good sign of a mature faith when we can acknowledge and “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” when we can easily see the blessings in our life, yet still count God’s abiding with us and strengthening us during the difficult parts of our journey as yet more blessing.
Peace,
Ray