Don't Hang Up Your Praise

When times get tough, it may seem hard to praise God. That's a natural reaction when something unexpected happens. Life can have unexpected turns, but God is still in control. In Psalms 137, the Israelites were taken captive into Babylon, and their enemies taunted them. They were feeling discouraged because of the sudden change in their lives. They went from being free to being captive in a land they knew nothing about. They had hung up their harps on a tree because they didn't want to praise God anymore (Psalms137:2). Then, the enemy told them to do something: "Sing us one of those songs in Zion." (Psalms 137:3). Because of discouragement, they asked, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" There may be times when life puts you in a strange land (unexpected bills, check garnishment, tough times in your marriage, children rebelling, layoffs, final warning on job) and you may not want to praise God, but always remember that He is still with you and never leaves your side (Hebrews 13:5). However, they remembered their God and vowed to not forget Him, wanting their tongues to cleave to the roof of their mouth if they did (Psalms 137:6). Even if you have hung up your praise, pick it back up and stand on the promises of God. He told us that we would have many afflictions, but He would deliver us from EVERY one (Psalms 34:19). That's worth praising Him right there because you're going to be delivered from whatever you're going through! Pick it back up and be blessed!