Praises | Blessings

“When the praises go up, the blessings come down.” A phrase that has been adapted into the Christianese language…but what does that even mean? There are so many times that I don’t feel like praising. Crazy right? There are times where me, in all of my imperfections, do not want to surrender praise to the perfect God who gave me another chance to know Him…who do I think I am? *sigh* But alas, it’s true. So in those very moments when I don’t want to praise God, am I no longer going to receive the blessing He has for me? How does this exchange really work?

I went to an event not too long ago. It was a Christian ceremony and I was there to support some of my friends who have been putting in work for the Kingdom. I already had a long week of work and honestly, I was hoping that the event would be quick to get home sooner and rest. Here I am, sitting in the ceremony, when the emcee of the night says, “Let’s stand to our feet and offer praise to God through song.”

*Cue my eyeroll*

Do we have to always have a praise and worship portion at EVERY event? (Definitely my flesh talking at this point) I stand up to join in, you know, to be “obedient.” However, I begin to think about one reason I probably should have stayed seated. It’s a pretty valid reason…ok not really: I won’t know the words to the song. Let’s just say, I was in a Christian environment where the music was less like Kirk Franklin and more like Chris Tomlin. I remember right as I was thinking, “God, I don’t want to praise you and I don’t even know this song,” the praise leader reminds us that even when we don’t want to give God our praise, He is faithful and that’s all the more reason to praise Him.

Uhh ok, God, I hear you. The song begins and it’s familiar. I close my eyes to remove anything to distract me and lo and behold, I KNOW THIS SONG! I literally almost shouted it out. As I began to worship God through song, this overwhelming peace fell upon me. I was no longer counting the seconds to rush home for bed. I could enjoy the moment. I could enjoy His presence. I could enjoy the company of His children. I stood in awe. That was the blessing.

One of the amazing things about God is that He doesn’t have an if/then exchange program. We can’t try and cheat the system. We can’t manipulate Him by negotiating: God, if I sing this song for 3 minutes, then you will give me [insert whatever you’ve been praying for]. Perhaps the very blessing that you need is His peace, His presence or even His comfort. Perhaps you need to be reassured that your breakthrough is near. Perhaps you need hope to endure your current circumstance. Or perhaps you need to stand in awe of who God is and how He is still faithful when we are not. To me, that’s the ultimate blessing.

The night continues and a friend later tells me that they were really encouraged by my worship. What? (I chuckle inside) If only they knew about the internal struggle that took place before I fully submitted my praise. Another blessing: to be able to encourage others to praise God too. Sometimes the blessing is not for you. Sometimes the blessing is for those around you.

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

The moments when you don’t feel like praising God are probably the most vital moments to praise Him. He has a blessing waiting for you if you want. He’s here to offer you Himself when you fully surrender.

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