How to Praise God When You Don't Feel Like It [Bonus, Part 1]
By Heidi Snyder
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3 KJV)
I love worshiping the Lord at church. I love singing, playing the piano, watching people “put on a garment of praise” and sing to the Lord even when I know they are going through something difficult. I’ve had times when I, too, have been going through struggles like long-term sickness, the death of a loved one, or extreme relationship challenges, yet I’ve still been able to worship God and experience how He “took” and “lifted“ off my heaviness and pain as I worshiped Him.
There is an exchange that happens when we worship God. It’s like we’re saying, “Even though my problems are bigger than I can handle, I’m still going to trust God because He is bigger than my problems.” When we worship God, He exchanges our heaviness for hope and joy. I have experienced this exchange many times, but when we moved to Seattle, during our first winter here I had some depression and anxiety, and there were times when I genuinely just didn’t feel like worshiping God. It’s not that I didn’t want to or that I didn’t love Him. I was just too tired, anxious, or depressed. I had experienced depression years ago so I realized it was time to start seeing a therapist again. That was definitely the right decision; she helped me sort through a lot of things and also remember some healthy habits. When this quarantine started, I was immediately aware that I was feeling some anxiety and would need to employ these same habits more during this time even if I didn’t feel like it. I’m encouraged by this Scripture because God promises to take our heaviness as we praise Him. But it’s not just up to me to “get happy” and start praising Him; if I choose to praise Him He will help.
If we make the choice to praise God, He will meet us where we are.
Make it a priority to praise and worship God.
I like to put on a podcast from my favorite preacher, listen to special worship songs, find a friend to pray with, go on a prayer walk, or write in my gratitude journal. Getting into the Word, being encouraged by a friend, remembering God’s goodness—these things strengthen my spirit and stir up my faith. Ephesians 3:16-17 reminds us that God can “strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” What do you like to do to connect with God? Even if you don’t feel like it, you can try something and God will bless it. Start with what seems easy like finding a friend to pray with. Kalos small groups are a great place to find new friends.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we are amazed that You can take our burdens and give us peace and joy in the midst of our anxiety and this pandemic. When we feel too weak to praise You, please help us. Strengthen us with Your energy, love, and creativity that we would simply look to You, trust You, and thank You for who You are and how much You love us. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
