Got a problem? Praise the Lord

I’m a glass half-empty kind of guy.
Things bubble up, I take a look at them, and I falter like the Golden State Warriors. Everything around me turns gray at that point and I forget what got me to the point that I could take a look around.
I look around and all I see, sometimes, are the good things that God has given, but in my core, I’m sure the other shoe is gonna fall and things will turn worse quickly. My mom said we were descendants from a long line of worriers. I do not doubt this.
But, this much I know, folks. God is good. All the rest is just circumstance.
The thing that is happening to you might not be good. But God is good, fully trustworthy, fully powerful, fully magnificent. I know this because of all the wrong choices I’ve made that He’s cleaned up later.
So, what are we to do with this info?
Here’s my suggestion, based upon years and years of running my head into a brick wall.
When things are at their worst, praise Him.
Sure you can. I know you think you can’t, but you can. When you can’t, He can. When you won’t, He will. When you are crumbling under the strain of (fill in the blank), He’s got you. He’s watching over you. He’s got a plan, even if you don’t.
So, let’s go to the scriptures and let it all go.
“Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Exalt the one who rides the clouds! The Lord is his name. Celebrate before him! Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy habitation.”
Oh, my goodness, David writes. Oh, my God, David writes. This is the greatest of greatest. Nah. He is the greatest of greatest. I’m struck by the fact that praising Him, praising the Lord, praising His name is the greatest of great feelings.
The question is, do you feel that way this fine morning? I mean, really feel that way? That no matter what comes this day, He is bigger than that? That you can sustain your feel-goodness by praising him? Just up and praise Him. Don’t let it be a surprise to both of you.
Why? Because, first, He demands it. Second, He demands it. Nothing else will do. We are supposed to praise him, even in the storm.
I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m saying it’s demanded.
Do you have financial difficulties?
Praise the Lord.
Are you behind on your mortgage?
Praise God in his sanctuary.
Lost a loved one?
Praise God in his fortress, the sky!
Simply depressed, tired, worrying?
Praise God with the blast of the ram’s horn!
Kids driving you nuts with their choices?
Praise God with lute and lyre!
Can’t get away from the hate you have for your job?
Praise God with drum and dance!
Can’t get away?
Praise God with strings and pipe!
Have absolutely no idea who to vote for?
Praise God with loud cymbals!
Let every living thing praise the Lord!
Whew. Doesn’t that make you want to jump up and clap, or at least have a bitterly small smile?
Billy Turner is pastor of the First United MethodistCoushatta/Wesley Chapel and retired journalist.