Praise Him, Our God and Lord!

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

I’m going to start this article off by highlighting a video from Jeremy Elliot/The Iconic Podcast. Please take the 40 minutes to watch it. It will amaze you and help you understand what the enemy of our soul is doing. That enemy does so with God’s permission. You may even come to the point of realizing just how obvious the globalists have become, if you’re not already there.

We agree and understand that what appears to be happening is a major global shift in the affairs of this world. It is as if God has given Satan the go ahead to ramp up his efforts to create the final world order. This should not surprise, frustrate or shock us. We are children of the King of kings, Lord of lords. Nothing takes God by surprise though we may find ourselves wondering about the uncertainty of events.

We see a “pandemic” around Coronavirus 19 and the results of that situation throughout society. Shutdowns of the economy, “lock-downs” of people in their homes, mask mandates, and other social distancing measures, all of which add up to feelings of claustrophobia, negativity and despair. 

Way of Life Literature wrote another article about the pandemic itself and the results that have occurred in society because of it. What I appreciate about their article, which arrived in my inbox this morning, is that they, like me and others, are pointing out the truth that Christians need to rise above all of this. It doesn’t mean we ignore what’s going on in society. But it certainly does not mean we cower because of what is happening either. A right response by Christians is needed for several reasons.

First, a right response understands and acknowledges that God is fully in control. Nothing is happening that God has not either allowed or personally ordained. I believe that, ultimately, this is all happening because global society is sick, corrupt and evil. Second, a right response strengthens our reserve in the face of global madness.

Just this week a bill passed in the California legislature reducing criminal penalties for adults who have sexual liaisons with minors, from a felony to a misdemeanor. What healthy adult not only creates a bill like this, but advocates for it and gets others to vote for it?! SB 145 – passed both California Senate and Assembly and is headed to Gov. Newsom’s desk for a signature. I cannot imagine him not signing it, can you? This was allowed by God in order to ensure His coming judgment. People are literally begging for Him to judge.

The Way of Life Literature article notes the various segments in society and how each one views the CV-19 situation as either beneficial or harmful to their own interests. They note that most of these groups are using the situational crisis to benefit themselves.

• The devil – to bring about his final kingdom through the use of increasing the mystery of iniquity (2 Thess 2:1-12)
• Communists/Marxists – to increase their hold over a global totalitarian state
• Socialists – to increase the power of the government
• Anarchists – to increase mayhem and destruction
• Indolent – to receive more handouts
• Lawless – to increase their lawlessness
• Preppers – to store up more arms, preparedness and fear

Of course, God is using the situation to work out His eternal plan for the ages; ultimately gathering all of His children to Himself “in the fullness of time” (Eph 1:10).

There are other categories listed as well and it should ultimately force us to ask the question: whom do I serve? If we serve God and Him faithfully, then as strange as this may sound, this situational crisis in the world should force us to worship and praise our God with a newfound fervor.

The redeemed of the Lord are using the crisis to stay focused on God’s will and the business He has given them, and to listen more intently for “the shout”! (Way of Life)

It would appear that our redemption draweth nigh and I don’t mean that as if I’m putting a date on things. The plain reality is that every day brings us closer to the time of our redemption. How we approach each day says a great deal about us, our walk with and faith in, the Lord. 

Christianity is not an “accidental” religion or relationship with God. By that I mean that though it can become easy to take it for granted, it is during the difficult times in life that we show our mettle. Is God who we claim Him to be in our lives? Is God able? Is God praiseworthy? Is God stronger than any difficulty He allows to come our way?

One of the things I’ve repeatedly learned and had to relearn several times is that praising God does not necessarily come naturally. The reason is due to the fact that our sin nature is always there to remind just how “bad” things are in life. Our sin nature wants to NOT live the Christian life. We naturally rebel against submitting ourselves to Him and His purposes even though we know biblically speaking that this is not only what God wants but what is actually best.

I am reminded once again that in spite of the circumstances in life that affect us even “negatively” now, God is still on the throne. That alone is praiseworthy.

But let me offer a few suggestions that may help in our walk as we seek to literally rise above the circumstances that appear to be controlling life in many ways right now. I believe these suggestions will make it easier to lift our voice and heart in absolute praise to God in spite of the lock-downs, the social mandates, the masks, the closures, and other difficulties that all people are experiencing right now.

Because God is in control over all things, our reaction to life and its difficulties and trials should be one of praise. This is more true now than it has ever been. If nothing else, we must remind ourselves to direct praise to Him for who He is and for what He is accomplishing whether we feel like it or not.

Doing so is to offer a “sacrifice” of praise that honors God (Hebrews 13:15). This means we offer God our praise even when our heart is not “in it.” Why? Because it begins to force us to focus on the reality of the situation instead of the “negativity” of it (that God is in control). When we praise God while in the midst of terrible situations, we are doing so in spite of how we feel for how we want to feel based on what we know to be true. In other words, our feelings will come along and we are not kept from doing what is right because of the way we feel.

I firmly believe praise can lift us out of our sorrow, it helps us focus on the truth instead of worrying about things we cannot change. Praise exchanges our will for His will, leading us to embrace the things that come our way as Jesus did throughout His earthly life and which we see on the night He was betrayed. Though He prayed that the Father would “remove this cup” from Him, He ultimately acknowledged that the Father’s will was perfect and submitted Himself to that will (Luke 22). This is what praise creates! Jesus’ attitude toward what He was to face was full acceptance, providing peace. He knew that the Father would be glorified (and ultimately, He, God the Son, would be glorified as well; 1 Peter 5:6).

I so understand how difficult it is to begin praising God when we do not feel like it! I get it. I can relate to that struggle with you. It is not easy. It is very difficult and at first, it can feel hypocritical, but that is only because the sin nature is rearing its ugly head and striving against us. It must be resisted and pushed to the back by forcing ourselves to approach God with the attitude of praise that is due Him….whether we feel like it or not!

How? What do you do when you don’t feel like it and don’t seem to have anything within you that will support any desire you have to praise Him? You simply start praising, ignoring the temptation to stop. I believe by persevering in praise, God will honor and lift us up.

I find for myself, a good place to start is actually singing the Doxology. It starts out “weak” in me at times, but as I repeat it and focus on what I’m actually singing, I become bolder and more willing to sing it out to God.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Aside from the Doxology, one of my favorite choruses was produced by the Maranatha Promise Band. It is powerful because it takes Scripture and simply puts it to music. I love the harmonies. Listen to it and sing along. It’s very difficult not to be lifted up by its truth, taken from Psalm 95:6-7.

Anytime we can sing or repeat Scripture (not ritualistically, but with purpose, focusing on that truth), we are better off. We must fill our minds with praise to God for all that He is and everything He is accomplishing in our lives and in this world.

I believe it is fine to know and understand what is going on in this world. Paul tells us this in Romans 13:11-12.

And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light…(Berean Study Bible)

It is using wisdom to be able to discern and understand the times that we are living in. If we are not supposed to do this, then there is little point that roughly 33% of the Bible is filled with prophetic teachings, many of which have not yet occurred.

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus spends time pointing out to His followers what was coming down the pike. He did not do this so that we would be surprised or fearful. He did this so that we would know difficult times were coming and draw closer to Him because of them.

It is sad that I have to remind myself to do what should be natural – praising Him. When I force myself to stop and consider all that God has done for us, there should be praise to Him automatically! Yet, Satan works to keep us in fear and unmotivated to do what we will one day do as naturally as we breathe now.

We are to praise God for all things and in all situations. Be mindful of this as we see what is happening in the world. It will help to us to see the needs in others. Certainly the most important need others have at this time is their need for Jesus.

Nothing can overtake us except fear due to not trusting in God. Praise is the remedy that destroys the fear that circumstances can create.

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective