Praise Anyway

No matter our lot,

in this life we find;

our hope is in Christ,

Savior to mankind.

Naked we all come,

so too we depart;

what matters to God,

is inside our heart.

Is praise on our lips?

Are our minds made new?

Do we extend grace?

Trust His word is true?

When strong storms do come,

as they surely will;

can we call on Christ,

before Him, be still?

Sin’s not in sorrow,

for wounded need mourn;

trusting from ashes,

new beauty is born.

Praise Him in plenty,

praise Him through the loss;

praise Him for His love,

freely bore our cross.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the Name of the Lord be praised.” – (Job 1:21)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that regardless of what is going on around us or what condition we are in, we have a reason to praise. Thank You that our hope is not determined by what we can see or even feel, but our hope is found in You. Thank You for Your promises and Your presence. Thank You that when things are difficult, we can praise You because You are with us, holding us up. When things are going well, we can praise You for the blessings we are aware of beside You. Forgive us for not always praising You as You deserve. Teach us how to keep our eyes securely fixed on You, so that even in our sorrow and our storms, we will be ever aware of our reason to praise You. May our posture of praise present the powerful truth of who You are to those who do not yet know You. Let our example lead people to a place of pursuing You. All praise to You! Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.