Gbenga Aluko: Praises in difficulties (word)

TEXT: Psalm 34:1-3

TOPIC: Praises in difficulties

Pastor Gbenga Aluko.

The topic will be discussed under the following sub-headings:

Introduction

Definitions

Why we need to praise God even in difficulties

Examples of those who praised God even in difficulties

Conclusion

Introduction

Man is a tripartite being, a trinity of three compartment viz: being spirit soul and body 1 Thess.5:23 says now may the God of peace make you holy in everything and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again Amen. Also Hebrew 4:12 says for the word of God is alive and powerful it is sharper than the sharpest two edged sword cutting between the soul and spirit, between joint and marrow, it exposes the innermost thoughts and desires. Key: man is tripartite has a form of trinity also knowing fully well that he (man) was created in the image of God who is tripartite/trinity.

The body houses the other two components, and was configured to give expression/reaction to what it is happening to and around it. As such even in the bible you will see expression like: Luke 2:29-30 which says now let your servant die in peace as you have promised for I have seen the salvation of Israel. John 5:7 says the impotent man answered I have no man. Mark 15:34 says and in the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice Eloi Eloi Lama Sabathani translated as my God my God why have you forsaken me.( all were voiced reaction of what they were going through at that time).

Definitions

(a) Praise which is Yadah in Hebrew and means give thanks, there are also two Hebrew word which are related but with slightly different meanings viz: Halal which means exhorting God with voice while Zamar which means voice with timbrel and harp (or more recently with musical instruments).

(b) Difficulties:

A time of dashed hope John 5:37

A time of sickness Matt.9:20-23, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48

Death and near death experience Daniel 3.

Time when things are not going well 2 king 2:19

NB- the funny thing about difficulty is that Jesus promised us victory as we go through our share off difficulty John 16:33. (Not immunity from difficulty)

Why we need to praise God even in difficulties

It shows that we recognise His supremacy even over our difficulties, Psalm 22:28 says kingship belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.

It is a show of an unwavering trust in Him, Psalm 20:7 some trust in Horses others in chariots but we will trust/remember the name of our God. Job 13:15 say although he slays me still I will trust Him.

It is an invitation/weapon for intervention, a way of escape from the difficulties Acts 16:25-26

It is a commandment, it is not conditional Psalm 150:1-6.

Few examples of those who praised God especially in difficult times

King David wrote Psalm 34 (our anchor text) amongst others when he was running for his dear life and particularly pretended to be mad to get away from Abimelech and in the Psalm (our text) he didn’t just praise God he especially encouraged others to do same what a faith, what a graced mastery of the flesh and difficulties that he was going through. May God help us in Jesus mighty name amen.

Job in Job 1:20-21 received four negative reports destroying all the five things that made him qualify as the richest in the entire area/east as some version puts it viz: first report his Oxen and Donkey Job 1:14&15,second – Sheep vs.16,third Camel vs.17, fourth his ten children vs.18 & 19. Still Job fell to worship and praised the name of the Lord. Vs.20 & 21. What a great challenge and model to us

Paul in prison wrote Phil 4:4 which says rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice a prisoner telling “freemen” to rejoice in the Lord.

Paul and Silas imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, still were noted to be praising God Acts 16:25-26.

Conclusion

Our relationship/depth in God will show in whether/how we praise God especially in difficult season/period. However God commands us to praise Him Ps.150 and this may include sacrifice of praise Hab. 3:17-18, Heb.13:15, James 1:2-4, Rom. 5:3.Summarily praise looks good both from you and on you, is your life and action praising God now and in preparation for eternity, Jesus is coming soon be ready.

WE KNOW IN PART.

Shalom.

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